The admission policy of Valdosta State University is
designed to admit those students whose academic backgrounds indicate a reasonable
potential for success in the educational program of the university. Acceptance is based
upon previous academic record, entrance examination scores, good conduct, and, when deemed
necessary, results of personal interviews and psychological tests or other appropriate
tests required to determine general fitness for admission to an institution of higher
learning.

This policy is administered by the Director of
Admissions, who makes the final decision as to an applicant's acceptability, subject to
the applicant's right of appeal as provided by the bylaws of the University and of the
Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia. Any appeal must be made in writing
to the Director of Admissions.

The University reserves the right to discontinue
accepting admission applications when its enrollment limits have been reached. It reserves
the right to reject the application of any individual who is not a legal resident of the
State of Georgia. Furthermore, the University reserves the right not to accept the credits
of any institution, notwithstanding its accredited status, if the University determines
that the quality of instruction available at the institution is for any reason deficient
or unsatisfactory.

Payment of fees for the processing of an admission
application shall entitle the applicant to have his or her application form reviewed
according to normal admissions procedures at the institution. Admission to the institution
is not guaranteed by payment of an admissions application fee.

Please be aware that admission to the University does
not guarantee admission to your intended major. Several programs of study have additional
admission requirements. Information on admission to a particular degree program or major
may be found in the appropriate section of this Bulletin.

How To File an Application

Admission application forms will be provided by the
Director of Admissions on request. All completed forms must be either on file or
postmarked at least 20 days prior to registration and must be accompanied by a
nonrefundable, nontransferable $20 application fee to cover the expense of processing the
application.

A medical history and certification of immunization form
is required of all applicants seeking admission to courses which carry academic credit.
Required forms are furnished by the Director of Admissions. An applicant's registration
cannot be completed until the medical history and certification of immunization forms have
been made available to the University.

Applicants who do not enroll in the semester for which
they are accepted must notify the Admissions Office if they wish to enter the University
at a later time.

Admission of Beginning Freshmen

Valdosta State selects its beginning freshmen from two
groups of applicants: high school graduates and individuals in possession of a Department
of Education Certificate awarded on the basis of the General Education Development Tests.

High School Graduates. Applicants must be a graduate of
an accredited high school or of a high school that has been approved by the University and
must have completed the minimum requirements of the State Department of Education for
graduation and must validate the required College Preparatory Curriculum.

The University System of Georgia requires that high
school graduates complete the college preparatory curriculum course work for entrance to
regular college programs leading to the baccalaureate degree.

The College Entrance Examination Board's Scholastic
Aptitude Test (SAT) or the Assessment Battery of the American College Testing Program
(ACT) is required of all applicants seeking admission from high school. The results of
these tests must be filed with the Director of Admissions at least 20 days before the
registration date of the proposed semester of entrance. Information pertinent to making
application to take these tests may be obtained from the high school principal, the high
school guidance counselor, or directly from the College Entrance Examination Board (SAT),
P.O. Box 592, Princeton, New Jersey 08541-6200 or the American College Testing Program
(ACT), P.O. Box 168, Iowa City, Iowa 52243.

General Education Development (GED) Tests. Individuals
who did not graduate from high school and individuals who did not graduate from an
accredited high school approved by the University may be admitted by presenting a State
Department of Education Certificate of High School Equivalency and by validating the
College Preparatory Curriculum (CPC) by making passing scores on SAT II Subject Tests. See
College Preparatory Curriculum on page 33. The High School Level GED Test is the testing
instrument generally administered to applicants in this group. Satisfactory scores on the
SAT or ACT are also required.

Evaluation of Freshmen

A freshman applicant's potential for success in the
educational program of the university is gauged on the basis of ACT or SAT scores, high
school curriculum, and high school grade point average. After an application form, SAT or
ACT scores, high school transcript, and other required records are received and are found
to be complete and in order, the applicant's credentials are evaluated. If the applicant's
credentials are satisfactory to the University and if the applicant is judged to be
acceptable in all other aspects, a formal letter of acceptance is promptly issued by the
Director of Admissions.

Regular Freshman Admission Standards

effective summer 1998

1. Applicant must have completed all College Preparatory Curriculum

requirements, and

2. 480 SAT Verbal or ACT English 21, and

3. 440 SAT Math or ACT Math 19, and

4. Freshman Index* (FI) 2040.

*FI = total SAT Score + (500 x high school GPA) ACT scores

will be converted to SAT for FI calculation

Minimum Freshman Admission Requirements - effective
summer 1998

1. Applicant must have completed at least four areas of the College

Preparatory Curriculum, and

2. Two of the following three conditions must be met:

a. SAT Verbal 410 or ACT English 16

b. SAT math 390 or ACT math 16

c. Freshman Index 1810, and

3. A passing score on the Compass Placement Exam for admissions to

Valdosta State University is required if:

- your SAT Verbal score is below 430 (ACT English-18) and/or

- your math score is below 400 (ACT math-16) and/or

- you have a deficiency in English or math in the College Preparatory
Curriculum.

The College Preparatory Curriculum requirements apply to
all students who graduated from high school within the last five years. Transfer students
who have not completed a minimum of 30 transferable semester hours are also subject to
these requirements if they graduated from high school within the last five years.

Passing scores on SAT II Subject Test will be used in
lieu of a high school transcript for students from non-accredited high schools, home
schooled students, and for students who hold a GED. The following eight SAT II subject
examinations or the appropriate exams as determined by the Office of Admissions are
required:

1. Writing/English Composition

2. Literature

3. American History and Social Studies

4. World History/European History

5. Math level IC or Math IIC

6. Biology

7. Chemistry or Physics

8. One of the eight foreign language exams (Chinese,
French, German,

Hebrew, Italian, Japanese, Latin, Spanish)

Learning Assistance

Students admitted to Valdosta State University who do
not meet regular freshman admission requirements will enroll in core curriculum courses
for credit and may have a mandatory learning assistance component in specified courses.
Learning assistance is designed to provide additional academic support, while promoting
student success. Learning assistance is also available to any student who desires
additional academic support.

Joint Enrollment / Early Admissions

Minimum total SAT score of 1100 with 530 verbal/480 math
minimum or minimum score of 25 on Enhanced ACT-Composite with 24 English/21 math minimum
and a 3.0 high school academic grade point average.

Admission of Non-Traditional Students

A non-traditional student is defined as a student who
has been graduated from high school for a minimum of five years or a student who holds a
General Education Diploma (GED) and his or her class has graduated at least five years
ago. Students who have been away from formal education and have attempted fewer than 14
semester hours are also eligible for this category.

1. High school graduates with at least a 2.0 academic grade point
average will be eligible for admission without submission of SAT/ACT test scores. These
students will be required to take a Placement Exam before registration.

2. High school graduates whose academic grade point average is below
2.0 or students who hold a GED must make a minimum combined score of 210 on the reading,
English, and math tests of the Collegiate Placement Exam before admission can be granted.

The University System will accept algebra I, physical
science, and foreign language taken in the eighth grade to fulfill its College Preparatory
Curriculum requirements.

Out-of-state high school students may be granted some
flexibility in the Social Science area only.

Those students admitted to Valdosta State University
with a deficiency in the College Preparatory Curriculum will make up the deficiency in the
following manner:

English ­ Students graduating with fewer than
the four required units of English will be required to take and pass the Compass Placement
Exams in English and reading for admission to the University.

Mathematics ­ Students graduating with fewer
than the three required units of mathematics will be required to take and pass the Compass
Placement Exam in mathematics for admission to the University.

Science ­ Students graduating with fewer than
the three required units of science will be required to complete with a grade of
"C" or better a course in a laboratory science chosen from the approved
laboratory sciences of the System Core Curriculum. A course used to fulfill a deficiency
will not apply toward graduation.

Social Science ­ Students graduating with fewer
than the three required units of social science will be required to complete with a grade
of "C" or better a three-semester-hour course chosen from the approved social
science courses of the System Core Curriculum. A course used to fulfill a deficiency will
not apply toward graduation.

Foreign Language ­ Students graduating with
fewer than the two required units of the same foreign language will be required to
complete with a grade of "C" or better a three-semester-hour introductory
foreign language course. A course used to fulfill a deficiency will not apply toward
graduation.

All students admitted with a College Preparatory
Curriculum deficiency must complete the required course(s) to fulfill the deficiency
before accumulating 30 semester hours of credit.

Admission of Transfer Students

A transfer student is defined as one who terminates
enrollment in one institution and subsequently enrolls in another. Students who have been
enrolled in other institutions are warned that they may not disregard their records in
these institutions. Failure to report previous college attendance is considered to be
sufficient cause for cancellation of the student's registration and of any credits earned.
Students who are enrolled in a Developmental Studies Program within the University
System of Georgia are not eligible for transfer admission at Valdosta State University.

Students who are enrolled in joint high school and
college programs while still in high school must meet the joint enrollment requirements of
the University System of Georgia before credit will be awarded. Current requirements are a
minimum SAT of 970 or ACT composite score of 21 and a high school grade point average of
3.00 (B) on a 4.0 scale.

To transfer to Valdosta State University, students must:

1. Request that the Registrar from each institution attended,
regardless of length of attendance or amount of credit earned, send an official transcript
to VSU's Office of Admissions.

2. Request that your high school counselor send a copy of your high
school transcript and SAT/ACT scores if you have earned fewer than 30 semester hours of
academic credit.

Admissions applications will be evaluated in accordance
with one of the following categories:

1. Students who have completed at least 30 semester hours of academic
credit must have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 1.80 on all
attempted work. If transferring from a University System of Georgia unit, students must
have exited any Developmental Studies requirements.

2. Students who graduated from high school within the last five years
who have earned fewer than 30 semester hours of academic credit are considered Transfer
Freshmen and must satisfy the regulations governing the admission of beginning
freshmen as well as those listed in category one above.

3. Students who have been graduated from high school five years or more
and have earned fewer than 30 semester hours of academic credit must satisfy the admission
requirements in category one above.

As a rule, students entering from institutions which are
not members of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools or other regional
associations of equal standing must take examinations on the work presented. However,
students may be granted the same transfer credit as that accepted by the principal state
university in the state in which the credit was earned. Necessary adjustments between
students' academic work done at another institution and the requirements for their major
program at Valdosta State University shall be the responsibility of each student, working
with the head of the department of the student's major, subject to the approval of the
dean or director of the appropriate College or Division.

Students will be permitted to transfer academic credits
earned with grades of D at other accredited institutions and apply them toward degree
requirements in the Core Curriculum or lower division. Credits with the grade of D earned
in upper division work will be transferred, and the department of the student's major will
determine if those credits are acceptable toward a degree.

Academic credit allowed for work done in another
institution within a given period of time may not exceed the normal amount of credit that
could have been earned at this University during that time. Courses required at the senior
college level should not be taken in junior colleges.

Applicants for advanced standing will not be given
credit for more than 90 semester hours of academic credits of work done in other colleges
to be applied toward a degree from Valdosta State University. Of those, only 60 semester
hours may be Junior College Courses. Additionally, no degree credit will be given for work
earned more than 30 years prior to admission to VSU.

Admission Of Transient Students

Transient admission is defined as admission for a
limited period of time of students who are regularly enrolled in another institution and
who ordinarily expect to return to that institution.

To be considered for transient admission to Valdosta
State University, a student must be regularly enrolled in an accredited or approved
institution and must have an academic record of a satisfactory or superior quality.

Students on scholastic probation, academic suspension,
or disciplinary suspension may not be eligible for consideration.

Applicants for transient admission must supply the
Director of Admissions a statement from the Registrar of the institution where they are
regularly enrolled, which clearly sets forth their current status and recommends their
acceptance.

Since the primary obligation of Valdosta State
University is to its regularly enrolled students, it will consider accepting students
applying for transient admission only when their admission will cause no hardship or
inconvenience to either the University or its regularly enrolled student body. In any
case, transient admission will be granted for only one academic semester. Students
desiring to continue in the University beyond that point must apply for admission as
transfer students and comply with transfer regulations.

Transcripts must be requested in writing and appropriate
fees paid in order for copies of the academic record of transient students to be mailed to
another institution.

Readmission to the University

Former students who have not been in attendance within
the last calendar year and were in good standing at the time of their withdrawal or
students who have attended another institution must apply to the Director of Admissions or
to the Registrar for readmission.

Students seeking readmission following an academic
suspension must also apply to the Director of Admissions or to the Registrar.

Admission of International Students

Valdosta State University encourages applications from
international students. At Valdosta State University, international students are defined
as citizens of countries other than the U.S., who require a visa in order to enter this
country. To be considered for admission, international students must submit the following
materials to the Office of International Programs, Valdosta State University, Valdosta, GA
31698:

1. A completed application for Admission form, with a check or money
order for $10.00 in U.S. currency. A copy of the application form is included in the back
of this catalogue; copies can also be obtained by writing directly to the Office of
International Programs.

2. Official copies of all secondary school and college transcripts, as
records of past academic work. These transcripts must be sent directly from the
educational institutions to the Office of Admissions.

3. Proof of having completed ELS Language Centers' Level 109 or
official results from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), if the
applicant's first language is other than English. A minimum score of 500 on the TOEFL is
required for admission.

4. A completed Certificate of Finances statement guaranteeing that the
student will have a minimum of $14,500 (for nine months) available for personal and
educational expenses. The Certificate of Finances statement form is available from the
Office of Admissions.

5. Completed medical form. VSU requires that prior to registration all
students present proof of two vaccines for measles and one for mumps and rubella. A doctor
or nurse must verify these immunizations. New students must complete a VSU medical form
which will be mailed to students after application for admission is submitted. In
addition, all foreign students must purchase the VSU medical insurance plan for foreign
students to cover the cost of medical treatment while in the U.S.

Once these materials are received, the Admissions Office
will evaluate the international applicant's credentials and make an admissions decision.
The applicant will be notified of the University's decision and, if admitted, will be
issued an I-20 certificate of eligibility. This form must be taken to the nearest U.S.
Embassy or consular office, which will issue a visa for entry to the United States.

Additional information on international student
admissions at Valdosta State University is available from the Office of International
Programs, Valdosta State University, Valdosta, GA 31698.

SPECIAL SERVICES PROGRAM

The Special Services Program is committed to assisting
students to pursue educational goals to the fullest of their abilities. The program is
responsible for coordination of services for students with disabilities. The primary
objectives are to provide reasonable accommodations and ensure that campus programs and
activities are accessible to disabled students. Some of the services available to meet
individual needs of students include, but are not limited to, assistance with
registration, alternative testing arrangements, text books on tapes, individual tutoring,
instruction in learning strategies, access to technology, liaison with faculty, referral
to other services, and diagnostic testing.

Eligibility for services can be established by students'
providing current documentation of the disabling condition as defined under Section 504 of
the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. All the services are provided at no charge. For more
information, contact the Special Services Program, Telephone 912-245-2498.

FINANCIAL AID ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS

In accordance with the Higher Education Act of 1965, as
amended, students must be making satisfactory academic progress, both in quality and
quantity, to qualify for and continue to receive Title IV federal financial aid. The
satisfactory academic progress standards for federal financial aid recipients at Valdosta
State University are as fol lows:

Undergraduate Students

Qualitative. All students are expected to
maintain the academic standards outlined in the official Bulletin of Valdosta State
University. Students who fail to meet these stan dards will be placed on academic
suspension. Students receiving financial aid who are

placed on academic suspension will have their financial
aid terminated. Financial aid applicants placed on academic suspension at the end of their
last quarter of attendance are not eligible for financial aid.

Quantitative. In addition to maintaining the
specified grade point average, students receiving financial aid must complete their degree
in accordance with certain criteria and successfully complete a minimum percentage of
credit hours each academic year.

At Valdosta State University, the maximum number of
hours allowed is 150% of the number of semester hours required to earn the degree.
Examples: Students pursu ing a degree which requires 120 semester hours may not receive
financial aid after they have attempted 180 hours. If the degree requires 130 semester
hours, students will be expected to have earned the degree after having attempted no more
than 190 hours.

Students must successfully complete 67% of the courses
for which they register in any academic year. The grades of A, B, C, D, and S count as the
successful completion of a course. The grades of F, W, WF, I, IP, U, NR, and V do not
count as the successful completion of a course.

Graduate Students

In addition to the quantitative standards required of
undergraduates, graduate stu dents must maintain a cumulative grade point average of not
less than 2.5 in order to be eligible for financial aid.

Remedial Course Work

No student may receive financial aid for more than 30
hours of remedial course work, which includes all College Preparatory Curriculum
deficiencies, remedial courses, or developmental study courses..

Monitoring of Satisfactory Progress

Qualitative academic requirements will be checked at the
end of each semester and at the time the student applies for financial aid. The limitation
of total hours attempted and the 67% completion requirements will be checked at the end of
the spring semester. The grade point average of students who apply during the academic
year will be checked as of the last semester attended; the limitation on the total hours
attempted and the 67% completion requirement will be checked at the end of the previous
spring semester.

Summer Semester

Courses taken during the summer are counted exactly the
same as courses taken during any other semester.

Transfer Students

Transfer students will be considered as incoming
freshmen for the initial disburse ment of financial aid. Only grades earned at Valdosta
State University will be used to determine the grade point average for financial aid
eligibility. Hours transferred to Valdosta State University will be counted as total hours
attempted at the end of the academic year.

Repeated Courses, Remedial Courses, Withdrawals, and
Incompletes

Students should be careful in repeating courses, as all
attempts at a course are counted in the maximum hours allowed to obtain a degree. Students
are also reminded that withdrawing from a course does not count as successful completion
and does not count in the required 67% completion rate each academic year. Incompletes
also do not count as the successful completion of a course, and excessive incompletes can
result in the termination of financial aid. Students can receive financial aid for no more
than 30 hours of remedial course work (including remedial courses and courses to satisfy
deficiencies in the College Preparatory Curriculum). However, students re quired to take
remedial course work may have their eligibility extended by the number of remedial hours
taken, up to a maximum of 30 hours.

Reinstatement of Aid

Reinstatement of Financial Aid depends upon availability
of financial aid funds at the time of the application for reinstatement and other factors:

Students terminated from aid because of academic
suspension or failure to com plete 67% of their courses in an academic year may apply for
reinstatement of aid after they have completed 9 or more semester hours with a grade point
average of at least 2.0, at their own expense, at Valdosta State University.

Students terminated from aid for failure to exit
Developmental Studies within 30 semester hours may apply for a reinstatement of aid when
they have exited Develop mental Studies.

Graduate students may request aid at any time their
cumulative GPA reaches 2.5.

Appeals

Students wishing to appeal may do so by filling out a
Satisfactory Progress Petition and presenting it to the Financial Aid Office, along with
any supporting documenta tion. The Financial Aid Office staff may take into consideration
illness, death in the immediate family, or any other extenuating circumstances. Students
will be notified, in writing, of the decision.Students wishing to appeal the decision of
the Financial Aid Office may do so by writing to the Student Financial Aid Committee.

The Office of Public Services, with offices in the
Regional Center for Continuing Education, 903 North Patterson Street, administers a number
of educational and educa tion-related programs which are presented on the main campus as
well as other sites located throughout south Georgia. There are five major divisions in
Public Services: Continuing Education, Off-Campus Credit Programs, Distance Education,
Telecom munications, and the Evening Program.

The Continuing Education Division oversees professional
development programs, leisure-type programs, and children's programs.

The Distance Education Division is responsible for
administrative duties involved with classes taught through two-way distance education
technology. VSU is part of the Georgia Statewide Academic and Medical System (GSAMS),
which is comprised of approximately 400 two-way distance learning sites throughout the
state.

The Telecommunications Division is responsible for
producing and transmitting programs via satellite with the VSU satellite uplink. VSU is
one of three educational agencies in the state, along with GPTV and the University of
Georgia, with satellite uplink capabilities.

The Evening Program Division aids students who are
seeking degrees by attending classes on campus in the evening. Most of these students work
during the day.

Public Services programs at Valdosta State are designed
to aid residents of south Georgia in continuing their education and to assist adults in
resolving problems en countered in their communities. Public Services personnel desire to
learn of the needs and interests of area residents which can be met best by the
university. Efforts are made to identify resources located in the institution and the
community to develop educational programs and services to meet adult needs and interests.

Off-Campus Credit Program

The Office of Public Services administers Valdosta State
University's off-campus programs. Each quarter courses are offered in Douglas,
Thomasville, Tifton, Waycross, Bainbridge, and other areas as the need arises. In
addition, selected undergraduate programs are offered at Moody Air Force Base, Marine
Corps Logistics Base in Al

bany, and the Naval Submarine Base, Kings Bay . By
offering its courses at convenient off-campus locations, Valdosta State assists students
in pursuing a college degree, al lows teachers to meet certification/recertification
requirements, and offers students a means of enhancing their personal and professional
development.

For information and assistance regarding Valdosta State
University's off-campus programs, contact the Office of Public Services, Off-Campus
Programs, located in the Regional Center for Continuing Education (912-245-3842).
Information concerning programs offered at the Moody Air Force Base and the Albany Marine
Corps Base may be obtained by calling the Valdosta State University office at Moody,
(912-257-4163). Information concerning programs offered at the Naval Submarine Base, Kings
Bay may be obtained by calling the VSU office at Kings Bay (912-673-8524).

Distance Education

The Distance Education Program offers a variety of
courses to off-campus loca tions using the advanced technology of two-way, interactive
video. As part of the GSAMS network, VSU operates four classrooms on campus, four at
community col leges (ABAC, Bainbridge, South Georgia, and Waycross), and one at Kings Bay
Submarine Base. For information concerning classes available through this technol ogy,
call 912-345-3842.

Telecommunications

Through the Telecommunications unit (satellite uplink)
VSU produces and trans mits programs to satellite downlinks located in the state of
Georgia and beyond Georgia's boundaries. This unit works very closely with GPTV to produce
programs for the citizens of Georgia.

Continuing Education Non-Credit Courses

Varied continuing education programs are offered for
persons in Valdosta and surrounding communities. The Professional Development Institute
presents seminars and courses for persons in professions, business, and industry. Some
courses are devel oped especially to meet the relicensing or recertification requirements
of specific professional groups. Other Continuing Education activities include
Elderhostel, Learn ing in Retirement, Children's Programs (including SCOPE, Kamp Kids,
Fine Arts Academy, and swimming lessons), and Leisure Classes.

Continuing Education Unit (CEU) Recording and
Reporting

The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
requires the use of the CEU (Continuing Education Unit) by member institutions and
provides this definition: "One continuing education unit is ten contact hours of
participation in an organized, continu ing education experience under responsible
sponsorship, capable direction, and qualified instruction." The Office of Public
Services administers the implementation of CEU procedures for the University. A permanent
record of each participant's CEU credits is maintained, with transcripts available upon
request.

Evening Program

Valdosta State University Evening Program assists adults
in meeting their post -secondary educational needs and is designed specifically for adults
who have never attended college or who have interrupted their education because of other
commit ments. Each quarter, Valdosta State University offers a wide variety of evening
credit courses leading to a degree. Students may take advantage of 19 different degree
choices. Most of the courses are scheduled to begin at 6:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m., on Mondays
and Wednesdays, and on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Each applicant for the program is counseled by the
Assistant Director of Public Services, who is responsible for the Evening Program. All
degree programs are admin istered as integral parts of the University. Admission
procedures are the same as those for regular, full-time day students. To register for
classes, students must be admitted to the University. Former students who have not been in
attendance within the last year and who were in good academic standing at the time of
withdrawal are admitted after application to the Director of Admissions for readmission
through the Evening Pro gram. Students who have never attended Valdosta State University
must apply for admission. For assistance, call 912-245-3842.

Community Services

The physical and human resources of the University are
available to assist groups in developing education-related programs and in working on the
resolution of commu nity problems. Under certain conditions, facilities of the University
may be used by civic organizations for programs. University personnel are available as
resource per sons, consultants, public speakers, or group leaders to serve on
community-oriented projects. Inquiries for community service assistance should be directed
to the Director of Public Services.

Educational Institutes and Workshops

During the year, and particularly in summer months,
educational institutes and workshops are organized by University personnel. Institutes and
workshops are ori ented toward the working adult as a means of providing up-to-date
information and techniques in specific areas of endeavor. University personnel welcome
suggestions for possible institutes and workshops.

Educational Projects

The resources of the University are available to assist
any public school system in south-central Georgia in identifying and resolving problems of
the school system or in developing and conducting special studies. The University, through
its well qualified faculty and administrators, is interested in working with public
schools in the continu ing process of improving the quality of education.

ACADEMIC AFFAIRS

Dr. Lloyd W. Benjamin

Vice President for Academic Affairs

The Bulletin is prepared for the convenience of
faculty and students and is not to be construed as an official publication of the Board of
Regents of the University Sys tem of Georgia. In case of any divergence from or conflict
with the Bylaws or Policies of the Board of Regents, the official Bylaws and
Policies of the Board of Regents shall prevail.

Academic operations are broadly supervised by the Vice
President for Academic Affairs, who is in turn supported by the deans and directors of the
several colleges and divisions. Department heads report to the appropriate dean or
director of their college or division. The University consists of colleges and divisions
with their respective departments as follows:

The College of Arts and Sciences: Departments of
Biology; Chemistry; English; History; Mathematics and Computer Science; Modern and
Classical Languages; Phi losophy; Physics, Astronomy, and Geosciences; Political Science;
and Sociology, Anthropology, and Criminal Justice.

The College of Business Administration: Departments of
Accounting and Finance, Management and Information Systems, and Marketing and Economics.

The College of Education: Departments of Vocational
Education; Early Child hood and Reading Education; Middle Grades Education; Educational
Leadership; Health, Physical Education, and Athletics; Psychology, Counseling and
Guidance; Secondary Education; and Special Education and Communication Disorders

The College of the Arts: Departments of Art, Music, and
Communication Arts.

The College of Nursing: Departments of Undergraduate
Nursing and Graduate Nursing.

The Graduate School: All departments offering or
participating in graduate pro grams.

The Division of Aerospace Studies.

HOW TO GET HELP

If you are just starting at VSU and need help, go to the
office with the title that matches your needs: Office of Admissions (located at 1413 North
Patterson Street), Office of the Registrar (in Nevins Hall), Department Head (of your
major interest), Dean of the College (in which your major department is located), or
Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs (1111 Nevins Hall). If you are undecided
about your major, contact the Liberal Arts Studies Advising Office (2151 Nevins Hall).

If you have decided upon a major or general area of
study, contact the Department Head of the appropriate discipline or the Dean of the
College in which the department is located. The campus directory contains a list of
departments, schools, colleges, ad ministrators, with office locations and telephone
numbers. Department Heads and Deans are the appropriate individuals to contact for any
academic problem at any time. All academic units report to the Vice President for Academic
Affairs, whose office is in West Hall.

THE ACADEMIC YEAR

All curricula and courses at Valdosta State University
are offered within the frame work of the semester system. Fall and winter semesters make
up the traditional academic year, though students may pursue degree requirements on a
year-round basis by attend ing the summer semester as well. Fall and winter semesters run
for approximately 16 weeks each, including the examination period. The summer semester is
often slightly reduced in length, with the length of class periods appropriately adjusted.

DEGREES AND MAJOR PROGRAMS

Valdosta State University awards the following
undergraduate degrees: Associate of Arts, Associate of Applied Science, Bachelor of
Applied Science, Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of General Studies, Bachelor of Science,
Bachelor of Science in Health Fit ness, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Bachelor of
Science in Education, Bachelor of Fine Arts, Bachelor of Business Administration, and
Bachelor of Music. Graduate degrees awarded are Master of Arts, Master of Science, Master
of Public Administra tion, Master of Business Administration, Master of Accountancy,
Master of Education, Master of Music Education, Master of Science in Nursing, Education
Specialist, and Doctoral degrees in selected fields of education. Details regarding
programs leading to graduate degrees may be found in the Graduate Bulletin.

The major program leading to the B.A.S. in Technical
Studies is offered in Voca tional Education.

Major programs leading to the B.A. degree are offered in
the following fields: Art, Criminal Justice, Economics, English, French, History, Legal
Assistant Studies, Math ematics, Music, Philosophy, Political Science, Psychology,
Sociology/Anthropology, and Spanish.

Major programs leading to the B.S.Ed. degree are offered
in the following fields: Business Education, Early Childhood Education, Middle Grades
Education, Secondary Education (major teaching-subject concentration: Biology, English,
French, History, Mathematics, Science, Social Science, and Spanish), Physical Education,
Speech- Lan guage Pathology, Special Education; and Trade and Industrial Education.

Major programs leading to the B.B.A. degree are offered
in Accounting, Econom ics, Finance, Management, and Marketing.

Major programs leading to the B.F.A. degree are offered
in Art, Art Education, Speech Communication, and Theatre Arts.

The major program leading to the B.G.S. degree is
offered in General Studies.

Major programs leading to the B.M. degree are offered in
Music Performance (organ, piano, voice) and Music Education.

The B.S. in Health Fitness (Department of Health,
Physical Education, and Athlet ics), and the B.S. in Nursing are professional rather than
general B.S. degrees.

The Dual Degree Program with the Georgia Institute of
Technology leads to a Bachelor's degree from VSU and a designated Bachelor's or Master's
degree from the Georgia Institute of Technology.

The Valdosta State University-Valdosta Technical
Institute Cooperative program leads to the A.A.S. degree.

A two-year Pre-Pharmacy program largely patterned after
the requirement of the University of Georgia School of Pharmacy is offered in the
Department of Biology. Through its broad range of major programs, the University also
provides preparation for entry into professional schools of dentistry, medicine, applied
medical sciences, law, theology, optometry, social work, etc.

The University offers courses in areas such as library
science, geology, geography, linguistics, international/intercultural studies, journalism,
religious studies, social ser vices, organizational communications, public relations,
recreation, women's studies, African American studies, Japanese, Russian, and German,
which do not have major programs at present.

Valdosta State University Georgia Institute

of Technology Dual Degree Program

Valdosta State University cooperates with the Georgia
Institute of Technology in a dual degree program, wherein a student attends Valdosta State
for approximately three years and Georgia Institute of Technology for approximately two
years. Upon comple tion of certain academic requirements at each institution, the student
is awarded a bachelor's degree from Valdosta State University and one of more than thirty
desig nated degrees from the Georgia Institute of Technology in areas such as engineering,
management, and sciences. In the case of highly qualified students, the Georgia Insti tute
of Technology degree may be at the master's level. For more information, contact the
Coordinator for Pre-Engineering.

PREPARATION FOR PROFESSIONAL SCHOOLS

Preparation for Law School

Although law schools require a baccalaureate degree for
admission, they do not always specify a particular undergraduate major or prescribe a
specific pre-law pro gram. Literate, well-informed students with a broad general education
tend to succeed in law school. Students aspiring to enter law school may major and minor
in any of a number of fields which will aid them in attaining the following: (1) fluency
in written and spoken English; (2) the ability to read difficult material with rapidity
and compre

hension; (3) a solid background of American history and
government; (4) a broad edu cation in social and cultural areas; (5) a fundamental
understanding of business, including basic accounting procedures; and (6) the ability to
reason logically.

Preparation for Medical, Dental, Veterinary Medicine,
and other

Professionaland Graduate Schools Offering
Doctoral Degrees

Students should be aware that the vast majority of
applicants now admitted to schools and programs in these categories hold the baccalaureate
degree and will have established well above normal scores and averages in overall academic
performance as well as on qualifying admission exams. Although students who apply for
admission to professional schools may major in any area of study, most choose to major in
biology, chemistry, or other natural sciences. Admission requirements may vary slightly
from school to school, but all such programs require the basic undergraduate courses in
biol ogy, chemistry, physics, and mathematics. Students majoring in other areas should
consult the academic advisor, who may in turn wish to refer the student to the Biology or
Chemistry Department for more specific information. Examples of paramedical pro fessional
degrees include Podiatry, Chiropractic, Osteopathic Medicine, and Optometry. If an
undergraduate degree is not required for entry into one of these fields, it is the
responsibility of the student to provide the Academic Advisor with the requirements
specified for admission to the school of the student's choice.

Preparation for Seminaries and Theological Schools

The bachelor's degree is required for admission to
accredited theological schools and many seminaries. Students aspiring to enter such
institutions should follow in their undergraduate work the general recommendations of the
American Association of Theo logical Schools. Such a program provides students an
opportunity to become acquainted with broad areas of subject matter. Advice on such
programs is available from the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.

Second Baccalaureate Degree

A student may work for a second baccalaureate degree,
and credits applied to wards the first degree will be permitted to meet the second degree
requirements, where applicable and appropriate. Students must meet all requirements for
the second degree in effect when work on the second degree is begun.

Office of International Programs

The Office of International Programs provides central
coordination for the University's comprehensive range of services and activities in the
area of international education. Campus-wide committees, open to all faculty and staff
members, work with the Office of International Programs to achieve the following
objectives:

1. Strengthen the international dimension of the
curriculum by assuring that interna tional issues, problems, and perspectives are
appropriately represented in courses, major degree programs, and minor studies;

2. Enrich the international dimension of the
co-curricular climate by sponsoring in ternationally oriented lectures, artistic
activities, seminars, and thematic events with an international focus;

3. Provide international experiences for students and
faculty by initiating and spon soring study abroad programs and exchange agreements with
foreign colleges and universities and by cooperating with external organizations and
agencies that sup port teaching, study, and research activities abroad for faculty and
students;

4. Encourage the involvement of international students
and scholars in the life of the University through the provision of comprehensive support
services for the inter national students and faculty and the promotion of Valdosta State
as a welcoming environment for foreign scholars and students; and

5. Heighten global awareness and understanding in the
region of south Georgia by bringing together resources of the University and community in
educational and civic programs for the general pubic and maintaining strong linkages with
other institutions in the region.

Among its many activities, the Office of International
Programs administers an International Studies Minor, coordinates study abroad and exchange
opportunities for faculty and students, oversees support services for international
students, co-sponsors a Model United Nations Program, maintains a World-Wide Web home
page, and orga nizes each spring a major lecture series on an international theme. More
information on international activities of the university is available in the Office of
International Programs, located in Carswell hall, 1526 North Oak Street.

Study Abroad Opportunities

Valdosta State University offers a variety of study
abroad and exchange programs. Summer programs are offered directly by the University, with
VSU faculty as group leaders and in cooperation with other institutions and organizations
in providing group study abroad experiences. Students may also participate in exchange
programs which allow them to attend overseas universities as regular students for a
semester or an aca demic year. These bilateral exchange opportunities are currently
available in Britain, Belize, Hungary, Japan, and Russia. VSU is also a member of the
International Student Exchange Program, ISEP, through which students may choose from over
100 universi ties world-wide for study abroad experiences. When participating in an
exchange, students typically pay VSU tuition, dormitory, and dining hall fees to cover
instruction, room, and board at a host institution abroad.

Foreign Student Advisor

A full-time foreign student advisor provides support
services to the international student community at Valdosta State University. This
advisor, located in the Office of International Programs, Carswell Hall at 1526 North Oak
Street, assists students in maintaining their immigration status, provides orientation to
university and commu nity life, organizes special activities for international students,
and offers cultural coun seling.

Aerospasce Studies for Men and Women (AFROTC)

The Division of Aerospace Studies was established to
select and prepare students, through a permanent program of instruction, to serve as
officers in the United States Air Force. The curriculum emphasizes the uniformly high
level of military understand ing and knowledge required of all Air Force officers.

Aerospace Studies are offered to women as well as to
men. The AFROTC training is divided into two parts. The first two years constitute the
General Military Course; the last two the Professional Officer Course. The department
offers a four-year and a two -year program. Each of these options leads to a commission in
the Air Force. The four-year program requires completion of both the General Military
Course and Professional Officer Course. Students with prior active military service or
previous training at military schools may, on the basis of their experience, receive a
waiver for portions of the Gen eral Military Course. Participation in High School ROTC and
CAP training may also qualify students for waivers of portions of the General Military
Course. The two-year program requires, as a substitute for the General Military Course,
completion of a six -week Field Training Course at an Air Force base prior to formal
enrollment in the Professional Officer Course. Junior college and other non-ROTC college
transfer stu dents with no previous ROTC training, who qualify academically, are eligible
for the two-year program.

Scholarships are available under the four-year program
to outstanding students. Application for four-year scholarships must be made early in the
senior year of high school. Qualified students in the first and second years of the AFROTC
program may apply during the winter semester for a scholarship for their remaining years
in the program. Scholarships pay tuition and fees, $100.00 per month tax-free subsistence,
and cost of books. A Light Aircraft Training (LATR) program, which provides 21 hours of
flight instruction, is available to each Air Force cadet who has been designated a pilot
candidate and does not already possess a private pilot's license.

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS FOR UNDERGRADUATES

Candidates for degrees must complete a minimum of 120
(somewhat more in se lected majors) semester hours of academic work, with a grade point
average of 2.00 or better calculated from all work attempted at Valdosta State University
and other schools. No person will be graduated with less than a 2.00 average. The academic
work must include a minimum of 40 hours of senior-college rank (that is, in courses
numbered

3000 or above), including at least 20 semester hours of
senior-college rank in the ma jor. A grade of C or better is required in major area
courses and in the courses for the minor.

Of the 40 semester hours immediately preceding
graduation, at least 30 must be taken in residence at Valdosta State University. Any
student admitted to the University for the final year must be in residence for two
semesters and must complete in this time at least 30 semester hours in residence,
including 21 hours of senior college work in the major. If less than a normal load of
academic work is carried, each 3-semester-hour course is counted as one-fifth of a
semester.

No degree credit at Valdosta State University can be
granted for work completed 30 years before the date of request for evaluation of credits
for graduation. Credit for work in some programs older than six years in advance of an
expected date of gradua tion may be invalidated.

Prospective graduating seniors must apply to the Office
of the Registrar for final evaluation of credits and programs two full semesters in
advance of the expected gradu ation date. A $25 graduation fee must be paid at the Office
of Business and Finance prior to this final evaluation.

General Education

All programs which students may pursue at Valdosta State
University are required to demonstrate, directly and indirectly, a basic concern for
values associated with higher general education. All students are expected to share this
concern throughout the Uni versity for enhancing and increasing the individual's level of
personal civilization and refinement as a human being.

English Language Proficiency

All graduates of Valdosta State University are expected
to exhibit reasonable ma turity and accuracy in speaking and writing the English language
and a degree of skill in reading and interpretation commensurate with that of any
representative graduate of a creditable American college. Evidence of serious incompetence
in these skills may delay or prevent graduation from the University regardless of a
student's major pro gram or special interests.

Credit by Departmental Examination

Students currently enrolled who present satisfactory
evidence that they are quali fied in a particular subject may receive credit by an
examination developed and administered by the appropriate instructional department.
Satisfactory evidence may be, but is not limited to, work experience, non-credit courses,
course work taken at non -accredited institutions, or military courses. Permission must be
obtained from the head of the instructional department offering the course; however, exams
will not be per mitted in courses for which a student has previously taken an examination
for credit or was previously enrolled at Valdosta State University as a regular or audit
student. It is suggested that students check with their advisor and the Registrar's Office
prior to

requesting an examination for credit, to ensure that the
credit will apply toward their graduation requirements. The course and credit will be
entered on the student record card; however, the grade received will not calculate in the
semester or cumulative grade point average.

Students must pay the Business and Finance Office, in
advance of the examination, the current non-refundable fee for credit by examination. The
student will show the receipt to the faculty member conducting the examination. The
instructional depart ment is responsible for reporting the course number, title, credit
hours, and fee receipt to the Registrar's Office for processing. Failing grades will be
reported and posted to the student's record.

A total of 30 semester hours can be earned through any
combination of CLEP, credit by departmental examination, correspondence courses, extension
work and ad vanced placement.

Exemption Tests

Exemption tests which exempt a student from taking
certain courses are conducted by some departments for placement purposes. Credit hours are
not awarded for suc cessful completion of placement tests, and there is no fee required to
take such a test.

Advanced Placement

Advanced placement is based on the assumption that some
12th grade students can do college freshman work, and that achievement, wherever done or
whenever it occurs, should be recognized and rewarded. Valdosta State University provides
the opportu nity for the qualified beginning student to obtain credit for certain basic
courses. The granting of advanced placement is usually based on the College Entrance
Examination Board Advanced Placement Test scores, as approved by departments of
instruction. Students may contact the Admissions Office for more details and credit
available. Scores of less than 3 will not be considered. The course and credit hours will
be posted to the student's record card; however, the grade received will not calculate in
the student's semester or cumulative grade point average.

INTERNSHIP GUIDELINES

Guidelines for Granting Academic Credit for
Participation in Internship Programs

Students who take part in an internship program under
any of the various intern ship courses offered at Valdosta State University derive
benefits of a diverse nature from their participation. Some of the benefits inherent in an
internship are of an aca demic nature, and even the non-academic benefits of practical
experience may well justify participation in an internship program.

By awarding academic credit for enrollment in an
internship program, VSU for mally recognizes the academic benefits of the program. The
university grants semester hours of academic credit to students involved in internships,
the number of hours de pending upon the specific departmental internship course in which
the student enrolls.

The guidelines which follow have the purpose of allowing
maximum flexibility within any given internship program and, at the same time, of
requiring the careful thought and work by the participants that will make their internship
experience aca demically significant.

I. Acceptable Programs. In order to receive
academic credit for an internship program, students must be enrolled in an established
internship course offered by an academic department of Valdosta State University.

II. Supervision. All interns will be assigned a
faculty supervisor from the aca demic department in whose internship course they enroll.
Supervisors will accept direct responsibility for each intern under their supervision.
Faculty supervisors will carefully work out in advance all individual internship programs
according to these general guide lines and college or departmental guidelines and shall
specify academic requirements. The actual work experience supervision will be by the
project directors of the various internship programs.

III. Academic Credit.

A. Each department that desires to offer internship
opportunities will establish an internship course, with the approval of departmental
faculty, appropriate executive committee(s), and the Academic Council, carrying credit of
3, 6, or 9 semester hours or variable credit up to 15 hours in increments of three hours.

B. Internship courses not required as part of the major
will be counted as elective credit.

C. The number of credit hours to be granted for a
particular internship experience will be determined in advance with the intern in keeping
with the guidelines pertaining to credit hours as set forth below.

D. Academic credit will be granted on a
satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis.

IV. Guidelines for Granting Academic Credit .

A. For academic credit of three semester hours, the
internship will involve, at the minimum:

1. Work in an area related, although possibly
indirectly, to the major field of study.

2. Fifteen (15) hours per week of activity.

3. A daily log of activities.

4. A report on the internship experience, relating it to
the major field of study. The report will be made after completion of the internship.

B. For academic credit of six semester hours, the
internship program will involve at the minimum:

1. Work in an area, although possibly indirectly related
to the major field of study.

2. Twenty-five (25) hours per week of activity.

3. A daily log of activities.

4. A report on the internship experience, relating it to
the major field of study. The report will be made after completion of the internship.

5. A research paper in an area appropriate to the major
and bearing on some aspect of the internship program.

C. For academic credit of nine semester hours or more,
the internship program will involve at the minimum:

1. Work in an area directly related to major field of
study. The program should provide an opportunity for direct application of the knowledge
gained in the classroom in the major field of study.

2. A daily log of activities.

3. Thirty-five (35) hours per week of activity.

4. A report on the internship experience, relating it to
the major field of study. The report will be made after completion of the program.

5. A research paper or assessment in an area appropriate
to the major and bearing on some aspect of the internship program.

COLLEGE LEVEL EXAMINATION PROGRAM (CLEP)

Valdosta State University students may receive college
credit for certain courses based on scores on the College Level Examination Program
(CLEP). Valdosta State University will accept up to 30 semester hours for subject
examinations under the CLEP Program. The Office of Testing coordinates the administration
dates for the examina tions of the program. The criteria for credit awarded for CLEP
subject examinations are listed below. The only General Examination accepted is English
Composition With Essay, and a minimum score of 500 is required.

Subject Examinations of the College Level Examination
Program

CLEP Test Credit VSU Courses Score

American Government 3 hours Political Science 1101 50

American History I and II 6 History 2111 and 2112 46

Calculus With 3 Math 2261 40

Elementary Functions 6 Math 2261 and 2262 50

College Algebra 3 Math 1111 50

College Algebra - Trig 3 Math 1113 50

College Composition 3 English 1101 50+essay

6 English 1101 and 1102 60+essay

College French, I and II 3 French 1001 49

6 French 1001 and 1002 54

College German, I and II 3 German 1001 48

6 German 1001-1002 52

College Spanish, I and II 3 Spanish 1001 50

6 Spanish 1001-1002 55

General Biology 3 Biology 1010 and 1020L 49

General Psychology 3 Psychology 2500 50

Introductory Accounting 3 Accounting 2101 50

6 Accounting 2101-2102 60

Introductory

Macroeconomics 3 Economics 2105 50

Introductory

Microeconomics 3 Economics 2106 50

Introductory Sociology 3 Sociology 1101 50

Trigonometry 3 Mathematics 1112 50

Western Civilization I 3 History 1012 50

Western Civilization II 3 History 1013 50

UNIVERSITY SYSTEM REGENTS' TESTING PROGRAM

Each institution of the University System of Georgia
must assure the other institu tions, and the System as a whole, that students obtaining a
degree from that institution possess literacy competence, that is, certain minimum skills
of reading and writing. Therefore students enrolled in undergraduate degree programs shall
pass the Regents' Test as a requirement for graduation.

1. Students are expected to register for and take both
components of the Regents' Test prior to the accumulation of 45 semester hours of earned
credit. Students should not delay initial testing beyond having earned 44 hours of degree
credit and may take and fail the test as many times as needed without remediation.

2. Students who have not taken the Regents' Test prior
to the end of the quarter in which they will have accumulated 50 semester hours of earned
credit are subject to denial of registration.

3. All students who have not passed the test, whether
they have taken the test or not, by the time they earn 50 semester hours of degree credit
must take the appropriate non-degree credit course or courses in remedial writing, RGTE
0199, and remedial reading, RGTR 0198, in each semester of attendance until they have
passed all components of the test. These students must successfully pass the remedial
course in reading and/or writing before they are allowed to take the reading and/or
writing portion of the test again. Students who fail to enroll in the required remedial
course will not be allowed to register at Valdosta State University.

4. Students transferring from within the University
System of Georgia shall be sub ject to all provisions of this policy and to Valdosta State
University procedures. Students transferring from outside the System with 40 or more
earned semester hours shall register for and take the Regents' Test during the first
semester of enrollment and in subsequent semesters shall be subject to all provisions of
the policy and of VSU procedures.

5. Students must follow the same course registration
procedure to register for both components of the Regents' Test and the remedial courses.

6. Foreign students on non-immigrant visas whose native
language is not English may register for an alternative testing program. Students should
register through the Foreign Student Advisor. Resident aliens, permanent residents, native
speak ers of English, and U.S. citizens, regardless of native language, must pass the
standard Regents's Test.

Review

The purpose of the review process is to provide a
procedure for correcting errors in the rating of essays. It should be emphasized that
because the Test is rated by three independent graders, few such errors occur.

1. A formal review of the essay component of the
Regents' Test may be requested by the student when:

(a) there is a lack of rater unanimity on the essay
component and

(b) the student has passed English 1101 and English
1102.

The request for review must be initiated by the mid-term
of the first semester of enrollment following the semester in which the essay was failed,
but in no case later than one calendar year from the quarter in which the failure
occurred.

2. A formal review may be initiated through the Regents'
Test Coordinator in Powell Hall. To determine whether there is adequate basis for a formal
review, the Head of the Department of English or a designated faculty member (who will be
an experienced rater) shall grade the essay. Students may schedule a conference with the
Head of the Department of English if they wish to discuss their paper.

3. If, following this conference, there appear to exist
reasonable questions concern ing the accuracy of the scoring of the essay, two additional
VSU faculty members who are experienced essay graders shall review the essay.

4. If two of the three Valdosta State University graders
rate the essay as passing, the essay is forwarded to the University System Central Office
for formal review. If two of the three Valdosta State University graders rate the essay as
failing, the review process is terminated without further recourse.

5. If the essay is forwarded to the Central Office for
review, the student must be enrolled in RGTE 0199 during the appeal process.

FOREIGN LANGUAGES

Foreign Language Requirements at Valdosta State
University

1. Entrance requirement

Students graduating from high school in the spring of
1988 or later must have completed a two-year sequence of the same foreign language in
order to be accepted as a regularly enrolled student in any university or college of the
University System of Georgia. Students who do not meet this requirement may be accepted on
a provisional basis and will be required to take a three-hour course in a foreign language
without degree credit before they have completed 30 semester hours. A grade of
"C" or better is required to satisfy the entrance requirement.

2. Requirements for Major Programs

Throughout the various colleges of the University,
majors in selected academic disciplines have established requirements in foreign language
and culture to be com pleted as a part of their program of study. The following list
indicates specific require ments, according to degrees and majors. The full listing of
degree requirements should be consulted for each major.

Students should consult the following guidelines when
selecting appropriate courses to complete the requirements for their major.

a. Students who elect to continue the study of their
high school foreign language in order to meet requirements for the major may not take MCL
1001 in that language for credit. For review of MCL 1001 material and the completion of
work equivalent to MCL 1002, they should take MCL 1111. Students who do not wish to review
MCL 1001 content should take MCL 1002. To complete a six-hour requirement, they should
take MCL 2001. And, MCL 2002 will complete the nine-hour requirement.

b. Students may elect to take a foreign language other
than the one studied previ ously in high school. They should take MCL 1001, MCL 1002 (to
complete the six -hour requirement), and MCL 2001 (to complete the nine-hour requirement).

c. MCL 1001, when taken to satisfy a deficiency in the
University admissions requirements, will not be counted toward satisfying the foreign
language requirement for the major. MCL 1002, 2001, and 2002 should be taken, if the same
language is selected, to meet the foreign language requirement for the major. If students
elect to begin the study of another language, MCL 1001, 1002, and 2001 should be taken.

State of Georgia Legislative Requirements

In accordance with an act of the General Assembly of the
State of Georgia, all candidates for degree are required to possess and demonstrate a
reasonable mastery of United States history, Georgia history, the United States
Constitution, and the Georgia Constitution. These history requirements are met by the
successful completion of His tory 2111 (3 hours) or History 2112 (3 hours). The
constitution requirements are met by the successful completion of Political Science 1101
(3 hours) Transfer credit for

these three courses may not satisfy the requirements of
the State of Georgia. An exemp tion test in Georgia History/Constitution is offered to
transfer students whose American History/Political Science course did not include Georgia
History/Constitution.

Health and Physical Education

There is no University-wide physical education
requirement. However, certain degree programs, particularly teacher certification programs
in education, include HSPE 2000 Health and Wellness for Life within the degree
requirements. Review the degree requirements for your particular degree program.

All students are encouraged to include at least one
development and one recre ational physical education course in their programs.

Junior and Senior College Work

Of the total credits required for a degree, a minimum of
60 semester hours must be earned in residence in senior (four-year) institutions. Required
junior-college (lower division) courses are introductory in nature and are designed as
prerequisites to senior -college (upper division) work. These include courses required by
the University System Core Curriculum and are to be taken normally before a student
achieves junior classifi cation.

Classification

Promotion from class to class (from freshman through
senior) is based on hours earned in academic subjects. The semester hours required for
different classifications are:

Class Semester Hours

Freshman 0-29

Sophomore 30-59

Junior 60-89

Senior 90 or more

Academic Load

Twelve or more semester hours constitute full-time
enrollment for undergradu ates. The typical academic load for undergraduate students is
approximately 15 hours per semester. An academic load of 19 hours is permitted without
special approval. An academic load greater than 19 hours requires completion of the VSU Petition
to Register for More Than Nineteen Hours, showing approvals of the academic advisor,
the department head of the student's major, and the appropriate Dean or Director. The
maximum load for which approval may be given is 21 semester hours credit.

Institutional credit is a unit of credit included in a
student's total hours of academic load, which is the basis for fee calculations.
Institutional credit does not apply towards the total number of hours required for
graduation nor is it transferable to another insti tution.

Academic Advising

All students with a declared major will be advised by a
faculty member from that major department. The advising folder will be maintained by that
college or depart ment. Registration materials, including class schedule/fee assessment
forms, will be sent to the major departments by the Registrar. All students who have not
chosen a major are classified as Liberal Arts Students (LAS) through the LAS Advising
Center in Nevins Hall. Students in the Associate of Arts program, Community College Pro
gram, and Non-degree students will be assigned an advisor by the Dean of Arts and
Sciences. Advising folders will be maintained by the dean, the LAS Advising Center, or the
advising department. All registration and other academic materials will be given to the
Dean of Arts and Sciences by the Registrar for distribution to the advising depart ments.
All Learning Support students will be advised by an advisor in the Office of Student
Academic Instructional Support (OASIS). Associate of Applied Science students will be
advised by the College of Education, Department of Vocational Education.

Registration

Currently enrolled students may register for courses
during the following registra tion periods:

Early Registration by telephone or PC held approximately
six weeks before the term begins. Registration priority is based on student classification
in the following order: Graduate students and seniors; juniors; sophomores; fresh men.
Determine total charges via the telephone registration system after registering.

Regular Registration and drop/add by telephone or PC
held immediately prior to the beginning of classes. Registration is held on a first come,
first served basis. Fee- and course-schedules can be obtained at any computer lab or by
phone.

Late Late Registration and continued drop/add held for
approximately three-four days after the term begins. A late fee is assessed for
registration during the Late Period.

New students are expected to register for classes during
orientation programs held prior to the first day of classes. Off-campus course
registration is coordinated by the Office of Public Services.

All undergraduate and graduate students must be advised
before registration. Ad vising is mandatory. Students who have not been advised will not
be able to access the registration system.

Registration in all courses offered by the University is
under the direct supervision of the Registrar. Published schedules, policies and
procedures for registration must be strictly observed. Registrations are canceled for
students who do not complete the registration and fee payment process by the published
deadlines.

For more information on fee payment procedures, see the
section on Tuition, Fees, and Costs.

Withdrawal from Courses Policy

Students may withdraw from courses following the
drop/add period until mid -term by obtaining the instructor's signature on the withdrawal
form available from their major department. A withdrawal before mid-term is non-punitive,
and a grade of "W" is assigned. Instructors may assign a "W" on the
proof roll for students not attend ing class. However, it is the responsibility of the
student to complete the withdrawal process. A withdrawal is not official until it is
received and processed by the Office of the Registrar.

Students will not be allowed to withdraw after the
mid-term point of the semester as published in the school calendar as required by Board of
Regents' policy; however, students may petition an exception to the Board of Regents'
withdrawal deadline for cases of hardship by completing a petition for withdrawal form
available in the Office of the Registrar. The petition will become a permanent part of the
student's file. The instructor may assign a grade of "W" or "WF" after
mid-term. Note that "WF" is calculated in the grade point average the same as
"F." Any student who discontinues class attendance after mid-term and does not
officially withdraw may be assigned a grade of "F."

No fee adjustment will be made for withdrawals except as
outlined in the Cost and Financial Aid Section of this bulletin. The Business and Finance
Office will receive a copy of the withdrawal form for refunding if applicable. Refund
checks are prepared the sixth week of the term.

Students receiving financial aid should be aware that
withdrawal from courses may affect continued financial aid eligibility. Refer to the
section on Financial Aid Academic Requirements for additional information.

Mid-term Grades

Mid-term grades will be submitted for all Freshman
students. Grades will be mailed to Freshman students and will be available on the
telephone information system. Stu dents in academic difficulty should contact their
instructor and their advisor for guidance on what options may be available and recommended
to the student for academic im provement.

Medical Withdrawals

A student may be administratively withdrawn from the
university when, in the judgment of the Vice President for Student Affairs, the Director
of the Counseling Center, and the University physician and after consultation with the
student's parents and personal physician, if any, it is determined that the student
suffers from a physical, mental, emotional, or psychological health condition which: (a)
poses a significant danger or threat of physical harm to the student or to the person or
property of others or (b) causes the student to interfere with the rights of other members
of the university community or with the exercise of any proper activities or functions of
the university or its personnel or (c) causes the student to be unable to meet
institutional requirements for admission and continued enrollment, as defined in the
Student Conduct Code and other publications of the university.

Except in emergency situations, the student shall, upon
request, be accorded an appropriate hearing prior to final decision concerning continued
enrollment.

No fee adjustment will be made for withdrawals except as
outlined in the Cost and Financial Aid Section of this bulletin. The Business and Finance
Office will receive a copy of the withdrawal form for refunding if applicable. Refund
checks are prepared the fifth week of the term.

Change in Major Program

No change in a student's major program may be made
during registration. Changes in major programs are made on the basis of careful
consideration and planning with the advisor well before any registration period. Any
change from one major program to another, especially if made late in the student's college
career, may necessitate addi tional courses not required in the major program originally
selected, plus additional semesters in residence. Both the accepting and releasing
departments must approve a change of major program. Students who change their major or
interrupt their college work for more than a year become subject to the requirements of
the then current bul letin to fulfill degree requirements. Approved Change of Major forms
must be submitted to the Registrar.

Course or Prerequisite Substitutions and Waivers

Requests for course substitutions or course waivers must
contain specific justifica tion for the request and must be approved by the student's
advisor, the head of the department and the dean of the school of the student's major, and
the Registrar. If the substitution or waiver involves a Core Curriculum course, approval
of the Vice Presi dent for Academic Affairs is also necessary. A "Request for Course
Substitution/Waiver" form, available in the major's department, must be completed
before approval is offi cial.

Requests for a prerequisite substitution or waiver must
be approved by the instruc tor of the course requiring the prerequisite and by the
administrator of that department or school. The department head and course instructor will
be notified of all administra tively approved prerequisite substitutions or waivers.

Absence Regulations

The University expects that all students shall attend
all regularly scheduled class meetings held for instruction or examination. Although
independent study is encour aged at Valdosta State University, regular attendance at class
is expected. Instructors are required to maintain records of class attendance. The
unexcused absence or "cut" is not regarded as a student privilege.

It is recognized that class attendance is essentially a
matter between students and their instructors. Instructors must explain their absence
policy in the course. All stu dents are held responsible for knowing the specific
attendance requirements as prescribed by their instructors and for the satisfactory
make-up of work missed by absences. When students are compelled for any reason to be
absent from class, they should immediately convey the reasons for the absence directly to
the instructor.

A student who misses more then 20% of the scheduled
classes of a course will be subject to receiving a failing grade in the course.

Absence problems which cannot be resolved between the
instructor and student should be referred immediately to the department head responsible
for the course. Dis continuance of class attendance without officially withdrawing from a
course is sufficient cause for receiving a failing grade in the course. It is assumed that
students will consult with their instructor in a given course before initiating procedures
for withdrawing from that course. Students officially withdrawing from a course prior to
midterm will receive a "W" for the course. After mid-term, it is the instructor
who determines whether the grade awarded is "W" (withdrew passing) or
"WF" (withdrew failing). The grade of "WF" is equivalent to an
"F" and is calculated in the grade point average.

Off-campus activities, appropriately supervised and
sponsored by faculty mem bers, which appear to justify a student's absence from scheduled
classes, must be approved by the academic dean or director responsible for the activity.
Such activities must be justifiable on grounds consistent with the educational program of
the Univer sity as interpreted by the Vice President for Academic Affairs. Instructors
determine if a student is excused from class to participate in sanctioned activities,
either off-campus or on-campus.

Auditing Classes

Students may be permitted to enroll as auditors in
selected courses, provided regu lar enrollment in the course permits and if such an
arrangement is completely agreeable to the instructor concerned. Fees for auditing classes
are the same as for credit courses. Students are not permitted to change from audit to
credit or from credit to audit after the last day for course changes as specified in the
official calendar.

Final Examinations

Final examinations are regularly administered for all
classes according to an estab lished schedule at the end of each term. The University
Calendar is definite as to dates for final examinations, and permission for departure from
the schedule cannot be granted.

Graduating seniors may not be required to take final
examinations at the end of their final semester of residence, but only with the approval
of the instructor concerned.

In all other cases, if an instructor considers that a
final examination as such is not desirable or necessary in a particular course or
considers it necessary for special rea sons to schedule a final examination at a time
different from the regularly scheduled time, approval for such a departure from the
established schedule must be obtained from the office of the dean or director of the
college or division concerned.

Grading System

The semester hour is the basic unit of work, in which
each course offered has credit value in terms of a certain number of semester hours
normally conforming to the number of contact class hours per week. For example, courses
meeting three hours a week normally carry three semester hours of credit. A typical
exception occurs in laboratory work, in which two or three hours of class contact have a
one-credit-hour value.

Grades and quality points represent the instructor's
final estimate of the student's performance in a course. All grades assigned remain on the
student's permanent record and transcript. The following letters denote grades which are
included in the computa tion of the grade-point average:

The following letters denote cases in which the grade is
not included in the computa tion of the grade point average:

I = Incomplete

IP = In progress (course scheduled for more than one
quarter)

K = Credit by examination

NR = Not reported by instructor or course ending date is
after the scheduled end of the quarter

S = Satisfactory

U = Unsatisfactory

V = Audit

W = Withdrew, without penalty

A cumulative grade-point average (GPA) of at least 2.00
(i.e., an average of at least "C" in all work attempted is required for
graduation from VSU. Grades for credit accepted in transfer or by examination are posted
on a student's permanent record card but are not included in the calculation of the VSU
cumulative grade-point average.

The cumulative grade-point average will be calculated by
dividing the number of hours scheduled in all courses attempted in which a grade of A,
B, C, D, F, or WF has been assigned into the number of quality points earned on
those hours scheduled.

Computation of the cumulative grade-point average treats
WF and F grades identically. Grades of W, NR, S, V, U, K, IP, and I are
not computed.

Courses passed with a grade of D cannot be counted as
satisfying the requirements for the major or a minor subject.

The repeat rule was discontinued Summer 1989. Cumulative
grade-point averages calculated prior to that time continue to include the repeat
provisions. Academic records that were not adjusted for courses repeated prior to Summer
1989 will not be altered.

A report of I (incomplete) at the end of any
course represents failure to complete some requirement of the course. A report of I requires
the subsequent completion of all requirements in the course involved by the mid-term point
of the immediately succeed ing semester regardless of enrollment status. Students have the
responsibility to arrange with their instructor for completion of course requirements in
accordance with this regulation. An Incomplete in a graduate course must be removed
within one calendar year. NR is assigned when an instructor fails to submit final
grades by the established deadline or when the course ending date is after the schedule
end of the semester. The Incomplete or NR grade will remain on the student's
permanent record and transcript. An Incomplete will be changed to an F or WF
if not removed by the required period of time indicated above.

Grade Changes

Final grades submitted by the course instructor may not
be changed except for approved special circumstances. A request for grade change form must
be submitted by the instructor, and the instructor must enter the change in the final
grade book main tained by the Registrar.

Grade Appeals

Students who have just cause to appeal the assignment of
a grade must first discuss the problem with their professor. Further appeals are then
directed, in order, to the professor's Department Head and Dean, the Vice President for
Academic Affairs, and the President.

ACADEMIC RENEWAL POLICY

The Academic Renewal Policy allows Valdosta State
University degree-seeking undergraduate students who have experienced academic difficulty
to have one oppor tunity to make a fresh start at Valdosta State University after an
absence of five consecutive calendar years from any postsecondary institution.

Former Developmental Studies students may apply for
Academic Renewal only if they successfully completed all Developmental Studies
requirements before the com mencement of the five-year period of absence.

All previously attempted coursework continues to be
recorded on the student's official transcript. A complete statement of the policy and the
form, Application of Academic Renewal, are available in the Office of the Registrar.

3000-4999 Upper Division Undergraduate Courses. Courses
with these numbers are for advanced undergraduate courses. Some schools or divisions may
require junior class standing as a prerequisite for these courses.

5000-6999 Mixed Graduate/Upper Division Courses. Some
courses numbered 30003999 are open to graduate students; such courses carry dual numbers,
with the graduate version of the course numbered between 5000 and 5999. Similarly, courses
numbered 4000-4999 may be taken by graduate students using a corresponding number in the
range 60006999.

7000-9999 Graduate Courses. Enrollment in these courses
is restricted to graduate students.

Certain courses require prerequisites (other courses
that must be taken before a given course), and/or corequisites (other courses that must be
taken during the same term as a given course), or the consent of the instructor or of the
Department Head. Students are advised to be sure they have met these requirements.

Cross-disciplinary Courses

Certain courses, because of their scope and focus, are
identified by different desig nations, that is, cross-listed. Students may decide which
designation they wish to register for, depending on their needs, but such a dual-listed or
cross-listed course can count only once and cannot be taken a second time for credit under
a different designation. Cross-disciplinary courses are clearly identified in the
descriptions of the "Courses of Instruction" section as "Also offered as
...."

RECOGNITION OF UNDERGRADUATE SUPERIOR ACHIEVEMENT

Graduation With Honors

Three levels of graduation honors recognize exceptional
students qualifying for the Bachelor's degree. These honors are based upon all academic
work attempted, includ ing all courses attempted at other institutions. A minimum of 60
semester hours of academic work, including any student teaching, must be successfully
completed in residence at Valdosta State University. Credit by examination or exemption
will not be included in the work considered for residence.

Cum Laude for an overall grade-point average of
3.50 and a VSU cumulative

average of 3.50.

Magna Cum Laude for an overall grade-point
average of 3.75 and a VSU

cumulative average of 3.75.

Summa Cum Laude for an overall grade-point
average of 4.00 and a VSU

cumulative average of 4.00.

Honors shown in the graduation program are based on
grades earned to date; how ever, official honors included on diplomas include all work
attempted at VSU and all other institutions, including accepted and non-accepted transfer
credit.

Dean's List

Students achieving a semester GPA of 3.66 or higher on
10 or more semester hours with a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or higher are recognized by being
placed on the Dean's List. Neither incomplete grades (I) nor the final grades and hours
when the incomplete is removed are included in the Dean's List calculation.

Students achieving Dean's List standing at the end of
any quarter may register for 20 hours of academic subjects in the following semester .
Developmental Studies, tran sients, and graduate students are not eligible for Dean's List
status.

University Honors Program

The Honors Program offers interdisciplinary seminars, a
special track of core cur riculum courses, and opportunities for independent research that
lead to a Certificate in University Honors. The program is designed to provide for the
stimulation and chal lenge of academically motivated students so that they achieve their
full academic potential, while at the same time providing recognition for such students'
endeavors. The Honors Program encourages connections between disciplines,
interdisciplinary programs, innovative and unusual approaches to subject matter, and a
reliance upon experiential learning that is fully integrated into the course content. The
courses and seminars are designed to give all students in the Honors Program a shared
intellectual experience in order to develop a community of learners and to encourage a
spirit of collegiality in the pursuit of knowledge, a spirit that is essential for
intellectual growth and personal fulfillment. Offerings include:

2. Special honor seminars with an interdisciplinary
focus. These explore a wide range of interesting, controversial, and timely issues. These
seminars can satisfy elective credit in a variety of major degree programs.

3. Honors Fora, a series of discussions and lectures led
by faculty, visiting scholars, and distinguished members of the community.

The University Honors Program also sponsors the Honors
Student Association, open to all students with a grade point average of 3.0. The Honors
Program is affiliated with the National Collegiate Honors Council, the Southern Regional
Honors Council, and the Georgia Honors Council. These affiliations afford wide opportunity
for travel to academic conventions and conferences. Application forms and additional
informa tion about the Honors Program can be found in West Hall 120 (Office of the Dean of
the College of Arts and Sciences) and at the VSU Honors House, 2 Brookwood Circle.

ACADEMIC PROBATION, AND SUSPENSION

Valdosta State University seeks to provide an
environment suitable for promoting the systematic pursuit of learning. To ensure this
primary goal, the University requires of its students reasonable academic progress. The
retention of those students who re peatedly demonstrate a lack of ability, industry,
maturity, and preparation would be inconsistent with this requirement.

Academic probation serves as the initial notice that the
student's performance is not currently meeting the minimum grade point average required
for graduation. Con tinued performance at this level will result in the student's being
placed on academic probation. Academic probation is designed to serve three purposes: (1)
to make clear to

all concerned the inadequacy of a student's performance;
(2) to provide occasion for necessary counseling; and (3) to give students whose success
is in doubt additional opportunity to demonstrate performance.

Academic suspension is imposed as a strong indication
that the student incurring such suspension should withdraw from the University, at least
for a time, to reconsider the appropriateness of a college career or to make necessary
fundamental adjustments in attitudes toward the academic demands of college.

I. Stages of Progress with Minimum Grade Point
Averages Required

An individual's stage of progress is determined on the
basis of the number of aca demic semester hours attempted, including those transferred
from other institutions. Transfer credits are not included in computing grade-point
averages.

Semester Hours attempted at VSU Cumulative grade-point

and hours transferred to VSU average required on VSU
courses

1 - 29 1.60

30 -59 1.75

60 - 89 1.90

90 - graduation 2.00

II. Academic Probation

A student will be placed on academic probation if, at
the end of any semester while the student is in good standing, the cumulative GPA falls
below the minimum specified in the table above or the semester GPA falls below 2.00. Even
though a student on probation is making some progress toward graduation, it should be
clearly understood that without immediate academic improvement, suspension may result.

III. Academic Suspension

a. A student will be suspended if at the end of any
term, while on academic probation, the cumulative GPA falls below the minimum specified in
the table above, and the term GPA falls below 2.00.

b. A first suspension will be for one semester. (See
readmission procedures below.)

c. A second suspension shall be for two academic
semesters.

d. A third or subsequent suspension shall be for one
calendar year.

e. Should another institution permit a student on
suspension from Valdosta State University to enroll, work taken at that institution during
any period of suspension shall not be counted as degree credit at Valdosta State
University unless prior ap proval was obtained from the student's Dean at Valdosta State
University.

f. Any Valdosta State University students on academic
suspension may enroll during any summer term at VSU; however, they must schedule and
complete two 3-hour courses with a minimum GPA of 2.0 to lift suspension.

IV. Right of Appeal

Upon appeal by the student, the dean or director of the
respective academic unit in which the student is enrolled has the authority to waive the
first or second suspension if unusual circumstances warrant. The third suspension can be
appealed only by petition to the Admissions Advisory Committee.

V. Readmission Procedures

Students must make application for readmission in
writing to the Director of Ad missions prior to registration for the semester in which
they plan to return. Following the first or second suspension, readmission on probation
may be granted for unusual and compelling reasons by the dean or director of the college
or division in which the student was enrolled at the time of suspension. A suspended
student readmitted on probation may have specific academic requirements imposed by the
Admissions Advi sory Committee or by the Vice President for Academic Affairs. A petition
to the Committee and personal appearance before the Committee are required. Any further
appeals must be made by petition directly to the Vice President for Academic Affairs. A
student accepted for readmission, suspended at the end of the last term of attendance, who
does not re-enroll will remain on academic suspension.

WORK BY CORRESPONDENCE AND EXTENSION

Not more than 30 semester hours of undergraduate work
may be earned by exten sion and credit by examination, of which not more than 17 semester
hours may be by correspondence. Under no circumstances will students in the final year of
residence (30 semester hours) be permitted to take more than 7 semester hours by
correspondence or extension. Students in residence may not enroll for correspondence or
extension work except on permission of the appropriate dean or director. No course which a
student may have failed while in residence at Valdosta State University may be taken by
corre spondence or extension for degree credit. The Student Affairs Office coordinates
correspondence study. Credit from University of Georgia Extension Centers will be
restricted to lower division (1000 and 2000 level) in addition to the 30-hour limitation.

STUDENT RECORDS

The Office of the Registrar maintains the academic
records of students and issues transcripts of records and certificates for various
governmental agencies.

Students are encouraged to check with the Registrar's
Office when questions arise concerning academic status. All students have a permanent
record to which only they and authorized personnel have access, and it is to the student's
advantage to check this record periodically. Official transcripts are provided upon
written request of the stu dent. All undergraduate and graduate work constitutes a
complete academic record. Portions of that record will not be deleted when transcripts are
provided. All grades assigned remain on the student's permanent record and transcript. Two
weeks' pro cessing time should be allowed for the preparation of transcripts and
certifications.

Transcripts of academic records from other colleges and
high schools are not pro vided. The student must contact previous institutions attended
for those transcripts. It is also the student's responsibility to contact testing agencies
for test score reports. Students must request copies of other academic records through the
Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs.

TRANSCRIPT POLICY

A transcript is an official copy of the official
permanent academic record main tained by the Registrar. Recorded on the permanent academic
record are all VSU courses attempted, all grades assigned, degrees received, and a summary
of transfer hours ac cepted with VSU equivalent course numbers indicated. Official
transcripts and certifications of student academic records are issued by the Office of the
Registrar for all students of the University. Copies of high school records and transfer
transcripts from other schools must be requested from the institutions where the course
work was taken.

Transcripts may be requested in writing, either in
person or by mail. (See Tran script Fees, in the section on Tuition, Costs, and Fees.)
Normally, transcripts will be mailed within one week of the request unless the request is
delayed because of a "hold" on the record or delayed for posting of a grade
change, an earned degree, or current semester grades. Requests are processed in the order
they are received. Students re quiring priority service may pay a special processing fee.

All transcripts must be requested by the individual
student, including transient students desiring transfer credit at another institution. No
partial or incomplete tran scripts including only certain courses or grades are issued.
Transcripts will not be released unless the student has satisfied all financial and other
obligations.

VSU is permitted, but not required, to disclose to
parents of a student information contained in the education records of the student if the
parents notify VSU in writing that the student is a dependent as defined in Section 152 of
the Internal Revenue Code of 1954.

The Valdosta State University records offices
(Registrar, Admissions, Graduate Studies) will accept "faxed" records as working
documents pending the receipt of offi cial, authenticated confirming documents.

The University will accept a request for student records
(transcripts) by facsimile transmission equipment. Facsimile requests for copies of
student records must be signed by the student whose record is to be reproduced.

Valdosta State University will not provide official
copies of student records by facsimile transmission.

Transcript policies apply as well to all certification
forms and letters.

DIPLOMA REPLACEMENT

Valdosta State University will provide replacement
diplomas for graduates whose diplomas have been damaged or lost. The cost of this service
will be the current di ploma replacement fee charged by the university.

Valdosta State University mails diplomas to graduates.
The institution will replace lost or damaged diplomas, without cost to the student, when
such loss or damage oc

curs during that mailing. The student must return
damaged diplomas or documentation from the United States Post Office that the diploma
cannot be located. A period of twelve to fifteen weeks is required for the printer to
process all special replacement orders.

Diplomas will not be reissued when graduates change
their name from that offi cially recorded at the time when degree requirements were met.

ENROLLING AT ANOTHER INSTITUTION AS A TRANSIENT
STUDENT

A regularly-enrolled undergraduate student wishing to
attend another institution for one term, with the intention of returning to Valdosta State
University, will be con sidered a "transient" student at the other school. The
following procedure must be followed to obtain "transient" status:

1. A transient request form must be obtained from the
student's major department or the Registrar's Office.

2. The form must be completed by the student's advisor,
who must approve specific courses to be taken as a transient student. (The Regents'
Testing Coordinator at Valdosta State must approve Regents' testing at another
institution.)

3. The form must be taken to the Admissions Office for
evaluation of proposed tran sient courses.

4. The form must be signed by the head of the
department.

5. All holds (such as traffic fines, library fines,
etc.) must be cleared with the appro priate office before a transient request can be
processed.

6. The completed transient request form should be
returned to the Registrar's Office for processing.

7. Students should contact the school they are planning
to attend to inquire about admission requirements.

8. Students must request an official transcript from the
other institution for transfer credit evaluation by the VSU Admissions Office.

Credit will not be accepted and posted to the Valdosta
State University record until an official transcript has been received from the other
institution, and all transfer credit requirements have been met as specified in the
current VSU Bulletin. Credit accepted in transfer will not be calculated into the
student's Valdosta State University grade point average. Credit is not acceptable in
transfer for students who are on academic suspension at Valdosta State University without
their VSU Dean's prior approval. Valdosta State University accepts a maximum of 60
transfer semesters hours from a junior college and a maximum of 90 total semester hours in
transfer. In addition, a grade of "C" (average of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale) is
required for course credit to be accepted in transfer. Students who have not attended
Valdosta State University for over one year must apply for readmission and must satisfy
degree requirements as specified in the VSU Bulletin current at the time of
application.

COLLEGE OF EDUCATION

Dr. Floyd D. Toth, Dean

From its beginnings as a two-year women's normal school
to its current role as a regional university, Valdosta State University has taken an
active part in the prepara tion of teachers for Georgia's schools. As the role of teacher
has changed over these years, so have the educational programs offered by the College of
Education. Today's programs focus on developing professionals for schools by incorporating
standards from the appropriate accrediting bodies. These standards describe what beginning
teach ers should know and be able to do upon completion of their studies. Most programs in
the College of Education require extensive field experiences, in which preservice teachers
apply the content, methods, and skills learned in college course work and receive feed
back from mentor teachers and college supervisors. Prior to graduation, all students must
demonstrate competencies necessary for beginning teachers in their chosen field of study.

Accreditation

Teacher preparation programs at Valdosta State
University meet Georgia certifi cation requirements of the Professional Standards
Commission and are accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher
Education.

Teaching Degree Programs in the College of Education

Major/Teaching Field Level Major/Teaching Field Level

Early Childhood Education P-5 Business Education 7-12

Middle Grades Education 4-8 Music Education P-12

Secondary Education: 7-12 Physical Education P-12

English, Mathematics, Special Education: P-12

Science Social Science Communication Disorders

Foreign Language Education: P-12 Technical, Trade, and
7-12

French, Spanish Industrial Education

Art Education P-12

Admission to the Teacher Education Program

All undergraduate students seeking a degree from a
teaching field program are required to apply for Admission to Teacher Education prior to
taking senior college (3000 and 4000 level) courses. Applications are available in the
Dean's Office, Col lege of Education, and should be submitted when the student has
accumulated 45 semester hours towards an education degree program.

3. have achieved at least a 2.50 Grade Point Average on
all coursework. Note that majors in Communication Disorders must have a 3.0 GPA. All trans
fer credits are included in the GPA calculation;

4. have passed both parts of the Regents' Testing
Program;

5. have passed the Reading, Writing, and Mathematics
portions of the Pre -Professional Skills Test (PPST) or the computer version, CBT, or
exempted this requirement with appropriate scores on the SAT, ACT or GRE;

6. a grade of "C" or better in CIED 2000, ENGL
1101, and ENGL 1102;

7. not have a criminal background, a dishonorable
discharge from the Armed Services, not have been discharged from any position for
unprofessional conduct, or not have any record that indicates behaviors not compatible
with those expected of a professional educator in Georgia. Any pending investigations
similar to these items must be resolved before admission to Teacher Education;

8. have professional liability insurance;

9. attended orientation to Teacher Education meeting.

Admission to Teacher Education is a prerequisite for all
senior-college level courses in the program of study. Students not meeting the criteria
are informed of their defi ciencies and not allowed to take 3000-level or 4000-level
courses until the deficiencies are removed. The Grade Point Average for admission to
Teacher Education is calcu lated using all coursework taken within the past five years,
including transfer credits. All grades and hours for courses that are repeated will be
included in this calculation there is no "forgiveness" policy. If extenuating
circumstances have led to denial of admission to Teacher Education, students may appeal to
the Undergraduate Policies Committee. On registration day each semester, the Committee
meets individually with all students submitting appeals. Appeal forms are available in the
Dean's Office in the College of Education.

Transfer students enrolling in the College of Education
with a Grade Point Aver age below 2.50 will not be allowed to take senior-college level
courses in their programs of study until they are admitted to Teacher Education.

Special Admission Requirements in Certain Programs

To be admitted to the major program in Health Fitness,
students must have a Grade Point Average of at least 2.5.

To be admitted to the major program in Communication
Disorders, students must have a GPA of at least 3.0.

Advising Center

The Advising Center in the College of Education was
created specifically to help new students and transfer students who have not been admitted
to Teacher Education. The Center assists students in planning their program of study and
provides a strong support system for addressing individual concerns. College faculty
members with ex cellent advising skills are selected from each department to assist
students in the Advising Center. Also, students who have been successful at VSU are
recruited as peer advisors to provide additional assistance to students in their critical
first years at the university.

Promoting Diversity in Teacher Education

The College of Education establishes an environment that
is accepting of differing life experiences and cultures and encourages the successful
participation of any under -represented groups. Any student who is denied admission to
Teacher Education may appeal for an exception. The Undergraduate Policies Committee will
review each ap peal and determine if the student's background or other circumstances
created a barrier for entering Teacher Education. The Committee will grant exceptions to
students who demonstrate potential for success, in order to promote diversity in the
College of Edu cation.

Retention in Teacher Education Programs

Education majors are required to earn minimum grades of
"C" in all professional education courses and those courses related to the
major. Student progress will be monitored through (a) GPA, (b) observations, and (c)
faculty and public school teach ers' recommendations.

With each field-based course, students will be evaluated
on their interactions in the public school environment. Faculty members responsible for
the course will report any concerns to the student's advisor and discuss the concerns with
the student and depart ment head. Repeated concerns in field experiences can jeopardize
students' progress in completing their programs of study.

Professional Laboratory Experiences

Valdosta State University's teacher preparation program
places a heavy emphasis upon professional laboratory experiences. The experiences are of
the types indicated below.

Students who participate in field-based experiences are
required to be covered by professional liability insurance. One inexpensive way to meet
this requirement is through professional association student membership. Membership is not
required, but non -members must present evidence of liability coverage before
participating in any type of field experience.

Observation and Participation

Certain professional courses require students to observe
and participate in activi ties with children and youth, usually these activities are
carried out in the public schools of Valdosta and Lowndes County.

Opening School Experience

The required Opening School Experience is completed in
approved public school settings, where the student participates in the teachers'
pre-planning period and through the first two days of classes. The Opening School
Experience is done during the senior year. This activity pairs the student with a mentor
teacher to learn about the organiza tion and planning needed to begin a new school year.
Applications for this experience are available in the Dean's Office in the College of
Education or at the Teacher Educa tion web site and are due during the first three weeks
of the spring term prior to the anticipated Opening School Experience.

Student Teaching

Student teaching is the culminating professional
experience and is scheduled dur ing the last term of university enrollment. Students must
have a GPA. of 2.50 or higher in their upper division coursework to enroll in student
teaching. All course work must be completed prior to student teaching. Since it is a
full-time activity (10 semester hours), students are not permitted to take coursework
concurrently with student teach ing. Applications must be submitted to the Assistant Dean
of Education for Student Services. Applications for fall semester student teaching are due
within the first two weeks of the preceding spring semester. Applications for spring
semester student teaching are due within the first two weeks of the preceding fall
semester. Student teaching is not offered in the summer.

All students applying for the student teaching
experience must complete a consent form, giving VSU permission to conduct a criminal
background check. The consent form and the fee to cover the costs must be included with
the student teaching applica tion. The background check will be completed prior to student
teachers' being placed in the schools.

Seminar for student teachers is a two credit hour course
taken concurrently with student teaching. Dates and times for the seminar meetings will be
provided at the student teaching orientation and on the Teacher Education web site.

Student Education Association

Education majors are encouraged to become active members
of the Student Edu cation Association. Students may join the Student Georgia Association
of Educators and the Student National Education Association or the Professional
Association of Georgia Educators. These organizations form the Student Education
Association of Valdosta State University.

GRADUATION AND TEACHER CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Health and Physical Education

A College of Education requirement is that all persons
preparing to teach must satisfactorily complete courses in health and physical education.
This requirement is met by taking HSPE 2000 (2 hours), two physical education activities
courses, and the first aid/CPR course, HSPE 2150.

Course in Education of Exceptional Children

An act of the Georgia Legislature (HB 671) requires that
all teachers, principals, and guidance counselors must satisfactorily complete training in
the identification and education of exceptional children. The SPEC 3010 course at Valdosta
State University has been approved to meet this requirement.

Georgia Teacher Certification Testing Program

The Georgia Professional Standards Commission requires
applicants seeking ini tial certification to demonstrate proficiency in their
certification area by passing the tests appropriate to their program of study. The test
series is the PRAXIS II Subject Assessments. Registration applications are available in
the office of the Dean of the College of Education and at the Praxis web site,
www.ets.org/praxis. A passing score must be obtained on these certification tests before
the College of Education will rec ommend students for an initial Georgia certificate.

The certification tests are given periodically during
the school year at VSU and in other locations across the state. Students are encouraged to
register for their respective tests during the first semester of the senior year. Those
who fail to attain passing scores on the first attempt may register for and repeat the
tests until passing scores are earned.

Certification Programs

Students coming to Valdosta State University to obtain a
teaching certificate should contact the department that offers the degree program in the
certification field of inter

est. If the students qualify for Teacher Education, then
their transcripts will be re viewed and an individualized certification program developed.
Students applying for a certification program must have a 2.5 GPA and have passed or
exempted all three parts of the Praxis I test. The PRAXIS II Subject Assessments Test is
required in each certi fication area that has a test for that specific teaching field.

Other Degree Programs in the College of Education

Major Department Degrees

Psychology Psychology B.A., B.S.

Sports Medicine Health, Physical Education. B.S.

Health Fitness and Athletics B.S.H.F.

Administrative Services Vocational Education B.S.

Technical Studies B.A.S.

Cooperative Program with A.A.S.

Technical Institutes

Dental Hygiene - Cooperative A.A.S.

Program with Valdosta

Technical Institute

Course Designations within the College of Education

ARED Art Education

BVED Business and Vocational Education

CIED Curriculum and Instruction

COMD Communication Disorders

ECED Early Childhood Education

FLED Foreign Language Education

ITED Instructional Technology

HSPE Health Education, Health Fitness, Physical
Education

LEAD Educational Leadership

MGED Middle Grades Education

MUE Music Education

PSYC Psychology, Counseling and Guidance

READ Reading Education

RSCH Educational Research

SEED Secondary Education

SPEC Special Education

VOED Vocational Education

DEPARTMENT OF EARLY CHILDHOOD

AND READING EDUCATION

Dr. Brenda P. Dixey, Head

Room 164, Education Center

The Department of Early Childhood and Reading Education
is a multidiciplinary department with programs that lead to a B.S.Ed. degree in Early
Childhood Education, a M.Ed. degree in Early Childhood Education (P-3 Option and Content
Option), a M.Ed. degree in Reading Education, an Ed.S. in Early Childhood Education, and
an Ed.S. in Reading Education.

The Early Childhood Education programs are designed to
prepare professional educators who manifest the knowledge, dispositions, and competencies
deemed neces sary to enhance young children's overall intellectual, social, emotional, and
personal growth and development. The design of the undergraduate professional program in
cludes a variety of methods and content courses. These courses are supported by structured
field experiences designed to provide opportunities to meld theory with prac tice in
field-based interactions with young children. The Reading Education programs prepare
individuals who specialize in the areas of reading/language arts. Graduate programs are
designed to build upon prior professional preparation and experiences and extend the depth
and breath of knowledge of the theoretical base and exemplary practices in early childhood
education and reading education.

Bachelor of Science in Education Degree with a

Major in Early Childhood Education

The undergraduate Early Childhood Education program has
numerous desired out comes. Examples of these outcomes for the undergraduate program in
Early Childhood Education include the following:

Selected Educational Outcomes

1. Graduates will demonstrate an acceptable level of
content knowledge.

2. Graduates will demonstrate an acceptable level of
teaching competency for an extended period of time during the student teaching experience
by plan ning, delivering, and assessing appropriate instruction for pupils who represent a
diverse population and who are in public school settings.

4. Graduates will demonstrate characteristics of
reflective practitioners by evalu ating the effects of choices and actions on others
(pupils, families, and other professionals in the learning community).

Requirements for the B.S.Ed. Degree with a

Major in Early Childhood Education

Core Areas A-E (See VSU Core Curriculum, pp.
95-98) 42 hours

Area F Requirements 18 hours

BVED 2400, CIED 2000, PSYC 2700 9 hours

One course from each of the following areas: 9 hours

Fine Arts, Foreign Languages, Mathematics (3 hours each)

College of Education Health and Physical Education
Requirements 6 hours

HSPE 2000 2 hours

HSPE 2150 2 hours

HSPE Fitness/Activity Courses 2 courses

Professional Program Requirements 60 hours

ECED 3000, ECED 3100 4 hrs

ECED 3300 4 hrs

ECED 3400, ECED 3690, ECED 4000, ECED 4690 9 hrs

ECED 4790 10 hrs

ECED 4800 2 hrs

ENGL 4000, GEOG 3410, HSPE 3000 9 hrs

MATH 3160, PSYC 3120, SCI 3000, SPEC 3010 12 hrs

READ 3200, READ 4000, READ 4100 8 hrs

Any 3000 or 4000 course outside College of Education 2
hrs

Total Hours 126 hours

Using a variety of techniques, faculty members in the
Department of Early Child hood and Reading Education assess the extent to which the
program requirements address the desired outcomes. Examples of these assessments for the
undergraduate program in Early Childhood Education include the following:

Examples of Outcome Assessments

1. Graduates are required to pass the Early Childhood
Education Praxis II Ex amination before being recommended for certification. Results of
the Praxis Examinations will be examined to determine the pass/fail rates of College of
Education graduates based on statewide passing scores. The number of times graduates
attempt to pass the test and subtest scores will also be examined.

2. Student teachers are assessed on professional
teaching knowledge and skills related to the ten College of Education Conceptual Framework
Principles through direct observations recorded on standard rating scales by university
supervisors and public school mentors. In addition, required written assign ments will be
assessed. Students teachers complete a post student teaching survey designed to identify
program strengths and weaknesses and measure the extent to which specific College of
Education outcomes are addressed.

3. Student teachers are assessed through observations by
university supervisors and public school mentors and documentation contained in portfolios
on their use of technological resources while planning, implementing, and assessing
instruction.

4. Students, during practicum and student teaching
experiences, are assessed on reflective teaching practices through the use of journals,
videotapes, and con ferences with university supervisors during practicum and student
teaching experiences. It is expected that teaching practices will be maintained, modi
fied, or changed based on information available to students about the impact of practices
on pupils, families, and other professional practitioners.

Department of Health, Physical

Education and Athletics

Dr. Stan Andrews, Acting Head

Room 168, Physical Education Complex

The Department of Health, Physical Education and
Athletics offers degree pro grams that lead to a Bachelor of Science in Education Degree
with a major in Health and Physical Education, a Bachelor of Science Degree with a major
in Sports Medi cine, a Bachelor of Science in Health Fitness Degree, a Master of Education
(Option I) Degree with T-5 (professional) certification in Health and Physical Education,
and a Master of Education (Option II) Degree without teacher certification (for those stu
dents who choose to concentrate their studies in the areas of exercise science, health
fitness, sports medicine, and related fields).

Degree programs in the Department of Health, Physical
Education and Athletics prepare students for professional careers in Health and Physical
Education (teaching), Health Fitness, and Sports Medicine. The degree programs are
designed to build basic concepts and skills appropriate for the specific degree program
through a series of carefully sequenced courses, field experiences, and internships. These
basic concepts and skills include, but are not limited to, program planning, computer
applications and other technology applications, social diversity and appreciation for
individual differ ences, assessment, and professional ethics.

The Bachelor of Science in Education Degree (B.S.Ed.)
with a major in Health and Physical Education prepares students to teach health and
physical education in grades prekindergarten through twelve (P-12). Upon successful
completion of the degree pro

gram and posting a passing score on the Praxis II
teacher certification exam in the area of health and physical education, students are
eligible for the T-4 (professional) teach ing certificate from the state of Georgia. Both
the undergraduate and graduate programs are approved by the National Council on
Accreditation for Teacher Education (NCATE) and the National Association of Sport and
Physical Education (NASPE).

The Bachelor of Science in Health Fitness (B.S.H.F.)
Degree prepares students to work in a wide variety of clinical and non-clinical settings
including cardiopulmonary rehabilitation, corporate fitness/wellness, hospital health
promotion and outpatient re habilitation, human performance laboratories, private
practice, community health education, and other related areas. Students are involved in
classroom, laboratory, clinical, and field experiences that include theoretical and hands
on experiences in clinical and non-clinical settings that often include health appraisal
and education, exercise testing and prescription for the apparently healthy and the
diseased population, and administrative leadership skills. Graduates are prepared and
encouraged to sit for the Health Fitness Instructor or Exercise Specialist certification
through the American Col lege of Sports Medicine (ACSM). The degree also prepares students
for graduate studies in related areas.

The Bachelor of Science Degree with a major in Sports
Medicine is a curriculum program certified and accredited by the Commission on
Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). Successful completion of the
degree program quali fies the student to sit for the National Athletic Trainers
Association certification exam. Individuals posting a passing score on the exam are
recognized as Certified Athletic Trainers. Being recognized as a Certified Athletic
Trainer allows individuals to be licensed in their state of residence and work as an
athletic trainer in clinical settings, public schools, professional sports, and colleges
and universities. Students in the pro gram receive training under the direct supervision
of one of the institution's NATA-certified athletic trainers in the areas of injury
assessment, therapeutic exercise and modalities, advanced anatomy, biomechanics,
kinesiology, and exercise physiol ogy.

Bachelor of Science in Education Degree with a Major
in Health and Physical Education

The Health and Physical Education major has numerous
desired educational out comes. Examples of the outcomes include:

Selected Educational Outcomes

1. Students who graduate from the Health and Physical
Education teacher prepa ration program will demonstrate an acceptable level of content
knowledge.

2. Students will demonstrate proficiency in a number of
individual and team sport skills.

3. Students will demonstrate knowledge in the area of
motor development, anatomy and physiology, and biomechanics of the human body.

4. Students will demonstrate their ability to
successfully teach health and physi cal education to P-12 students and adapt activities
for the individual needs of diverse and exceptional learners.

Requirements for the B.S. Ed. Degree with a Major

in Health and Physical Education

Core Areas A-E (See VSU Core Curriculum, pp.
95-98) 42 hours

Area F Requirements 18 hours

HSPE 2100, HSPE 2010 4 hours

BIOL 2651 4 hours

BVED 2400, CIED 2000, PSYC 2700 9 hours

HSPE 1010 1 hours

College of Education Health and Physical Education
Requirements 6 hours

HSPE 2000 and HSPE 2150 4 hours

HSPE 2020 2 hours

Professional Program Requirements 60 hours

DAN 3400 1 hour HSPE 3150, HSPE 3300, HSPE 3450, HSPE
3400 8 hours

HSPE 3200, HSPE 3410, HSPE 3420, HSPE 3600 12 hours

HSPE 3690 1 hour

HSPE 3700, HSPE 3910 4 hours PSYC 3110, SPEC 3010 6
hours

Elective at the 3000 or 4000 level 3 hours

HSPE 3050 1 hour

HSPE 2030, HSPE 3350, HSPE 4220 6 hours

HSPE 4230, HSPE 4710, HSPE 4760 6 hours

HSPE 4790 10 hours

HSPE 4800 2 hours

Total Hours 126 hours

Various assessment techniques are used in the Health and
Physical Education teacher certification program to determine the progress of the student
and whether the program curriculum is meeting the stated objectives and goals.

Examples of Outcome Assessments

1. Students are required to pass the Health and Physical
Education Praxis II Exams before they will be recommended for certification.

2. The student must pass skill tests in the required
technique courses to show proficient ability in individual and team sport skills.

3. Through written exams, oral practicums, and
micro-teaching assignments in advanced courses, students will demonstrate knowledge of
motor develop ment, anatomy and physiology, and biomechanics of the human body.

4. The student must satisfactorily complete all
pre-intern field based experiences and successfully complete the student teaching capstone
course.

Bachelor of Science in Health Fitness (B.S.H.F.)
Degree

The Bachelor of Science in Health Fitness Degree
subscribes to the desired educa tional outcomes (knowledge, skill, and objectives) listed
by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) that students should be able to
demonstrate.

Selected Educational Outcomes

1. The student will be able to identify, recognize, and
assess basic functional anatomy, biomechanics, and physiological responses to exercise.

2. The student will be able to demonstrate knowledge of
nutrition and weight management in regard to health maintenance.

3. The student will be able to demonstrate
administrative leadership skills for health and fitness programs in a variety of clinical
and non-clinical settings.

4. The student will be able to demonstrate knowledge of
assessment, planning, evaluation, and education of various populations in the private,
corporate, and clinical setting regarding physical activity and healthy lifestyle issues.

Special Admission Requirements

Students are admitted into the BSHF degree program after

1. Completion of 45 semester hours of coursework.

2. Satisfactory completion of both sections of the
Regents' Testing Program.

3. A grade of B or better in HSPE 2110.

4. Achieving a GPA of 2.5 in BSHF coursework, including
the core curriculum.

Special Retention and Graduation Requirements

1. Maintain an overall GPA of 2.5 in all course work and
hold current CPR certification.

2. Prior to enrolling in HSPE 4510 and HSPE 4550:

a. Complete the University Core and have a GPA of 2.5 in
all BSFH course work , including the core curriculum.

b. GPA of 2.5 or higher in all Area F courses, including
"elective."

c. Grade of "B" or higher in HSPE 1010.

d. Graduation check list returned from the Office of the
Registrar

e. Have professional liability insurance and active CPR
certification.

Probation and Dismissal

1. Students will be assigned an advisor in HSPE only
after the minimal admis sions requirements are met. Students who are not admitted will not
be allowed to take any 3000- or 4000-level courses in BSHF HSPE.

2. After admission to the BSHF program, students whose
GPA falls below the minimal GPA requirement of 2.5 may repeat coursework within HSPE, but
may not enroll in any new 300-or 4000-level HSPE courses. All require ments of item 2. in
Special Retention and Graduation Requirements (above) must be met prior to enrollment in
HSPE 4510 and HSPE 4550.

Requirements for the Bachelor of Science in Health
Fitness Degree

Core Areas A-E (See VSU Core Curriculum, pp.
95-98) 42 hours

Area F Requirements 18 hours

BIOL 2651, BIOL 2652 8 hours

BVED 2400 3 hours

HSPE 2110, HSPE 2150 4 hours

Elective 3 hours

College of Education Health and Physical Education
Requirements 4 hours

Various assessment techniques are used in the Health
Fitness program to deter mine the progress of the student and whether the program
curriculum is meeting the stated objectives and goals.

Examples of Outcome Assessments

1. The student will be able to pass written and oral
examinations regarding ac ceptable protocols for a variety of health and fitness
assessments.

2. The student will be able to interpret successfully
the results of health and fitness assessments and demonstrate proficiency in exercise and
nutrition pre scription for an individual program of health maintenance.

3. The student will successfully complete the capstone
internship course.

4. The student will successfully complete the Health
Fitness Instructor Certifi cation Exam or the Exercise Specialist Certification Exam
offered by the American College of Sports Medicine.

Bachelor of Science with a Major in Sports Medicine

The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health
Education Programs (CAAHEP), the National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA), and the
Joint Review Committee on Athletic Training Educational Programs identify a number of
specific educational outcomes necessary for accreditation and the preparation of students
to become athletic trainers. Among those outcomes are:

Selected Educational Outcomes

1. The student will be able to demonstrate acceptable
techniques for the preven tion and treatment of athletic injuries.

2. The student will exhibit knowledge in the
recognition, evaluation, and imme diate care of athletic injuries.

3. The student will be able to plan the rehabilitation
and reconditioning of indi viduals with athletic injuries.

4. The student will exhibit the knowledge to be able to
perform as a competent athletic trainer and health care administrator.

Requirements for the B.S. Degree with a Major in
Sports Medicine

Core Areas A-E (See VSU Core Curriculum, pp.
95-98) 42 hours

Area F Requirements 18 hours

BIOL 2651, BIOL 2652 8 hours

BVED 2400, PSYC 2700 6 hours

HSPE 2150, HSPE 2050 4 hours

College of Education Health and Physical Education
Requirements 4 hours

1. Students may apply for positions in the program as
they become availabale.

2. Applications will be judged on the following
criteria:

a. Grade point average - 2.75 minimum

b. Grades in HSPE 2050, BIOL 2651, and HSPE 2150 as
compared to those of other applicants

c. At least sophomore standing

d. Experience or clinical evaluations

e. Interview with sports medicine faculty, career goals,
and r

ecommendation

3. Contact the Registrar's Office and have an official
transcript sent to the cur riculum director

4. Complete the application form and return it to the
curriculum director.

5. Contact three individuals to send letters of
reference for you to the curriculum director. Their names should be used on the
application form.

Special Retention Requirements

Retention:

1. Maintain a 2.75 cumulative GPA. Students whose GPA
falls below 2.75 will be placed on probation for one term. During the probation period,
students may continue to take sports medicine classes but will NOT be allowed to work in
clinical experiences.

2. Evaluation for retention is done at the end of each
year in the program.

Dismissal:

1. Falling below the 2.75 cumulative GPA and inability
to achieve this require ment after one quarter of probation.

2. Poor performance in clinical experiences.

3. Poor year-end evaluation.

A variety of assessment techniques will be used in the
Sports Medicine pro gram to determine the progress of the student and whether the program
curriculum is meeting the stated objectives and goals.

Examples of Outcome Assessments

1. The student is required to demonstrate acceptable
levels of skill in athletic training protocols such as taping, modalities, injury
assessment, and injury prevention as assessed by the student=s clinical supervisor
throughout their senior level course work as outlined by the National Athletic Trainers
Asso ciation.

2. Through written and oral examinations, the student
must be able to recognize and evaluate injuries accurately and describe the necessary
steps for immedi ate care.

3. By way of oral examinations and demonstrations during
clinical field experi ences, and practicums, the student will be able to describe and plan
the rehabilitation and reconditioning of individuals with athletic injuries.

4. The student must have an exit interview with the
program director to discuss strengths, weaknesses, and the overall ability of the student
to perform as an athletic trainer and health care administrator. Upon graduation from the
pro gram, the student is eligible to take the National Athletic Trainer Association
Certification Examination.

Examples of Outcome Assessments

1. Graduates are required to pass the appropriate Praxis
II Exam before they will be recommended for certification.

2. Student teachers are assessed on professional
teaching knowledge and skills related to the ten College of Education Conceptual Framework
Principles through direct observation recorded on a standard rating scale by college su
pervisors and public school mentors. Written assignments required by individual programs
are also assessed.

3. Students must submit professional teaching portfolios
at the end of each field experience documenting the design and implementation of
culturally respon sive instructional opportunities for all learners.

4. Students must submit professional teaching portfolios
to document technol ogy integration. Evidence of electronic communication, the use of
instructional software, technology presentations and assessment materials must be
included.

The Department of Special Education and Communication
Disorders is a multidis ciplinary department with a program that leads to a B.S. Ed.
degree in Special Education or Communication Disorders.

The Bachelor of Science in Education degrees with a
major in Special Education or in Communication Disorders is designed to introduce
university students to the fields of special education and speech/language pathology and
to allow them to develop skills for intervention with students and clients with
disabilities and disorders. Within the Special Education area students have two options:
mild disabilities or severe disabili ties. The B.S.Ed. degrees for all three option areas
(mild disabilities, severe disabilities, and communication disorders) are preprofessional
degrees. In order to be awarded certification for public school instruction or licensure
for practice, students must com plete an advanced degree in one of the selected areas.

Each program in the Department has numerous desired
outcomes. Examples of these outcomes include the following:

Selected Educational Outcomes

1. Students who graduate from teacher preparation
programs will demonstrate an acceptable level of content knowledge in multiple
disciplines.

2. Students in teacher preparation programs will
demonstrate an acceptable level of teaching competency in their major areas by planning
for the delivery and assessment of appropriate instruction and therapy in school and
clinical set tings.

3. Students will plan for culturally responsive
instructional opportunities with sensitivity to individual learners.

4. Students plan for the establishment and integration
of technology into in struction, assessment, and communication.

Bachelor of Science in Education Degree with a

Major in Communication Disorders

Students admitted to the Communication Disorders program
must have a 3.0GPA.

Core Areas A-E (See VSU Core Curriculum, pp.
95-98) 42 hours

College of Education Health and Physical Education
Requirements 6 hours

Student outcomes for the Bachelor of Science in
Education degree in Special Edu cation and in Communication Disorders are assessed by
multiple instruments and methods.

Examples of Outcome Assessments

1. Content knowledge is assessed through objective and
narrative written ex aminations and oral presentations.

2. Planning for the application of content knowledge is
assessed through perfor mance assessments completed via observations by university and
public school professionals and private service providers using clinical observation and
feed back instruments to determine if plans include appropriate College of Education
Principles.

3. Students' plans for culturally responsive
instructional with sensitivity to indi vidual learners will be evaluated by university
personnel to ensure individual needs are met.

4. Students' plans for the establishment and integration
of technology into in struction, assessment, and communication will be evaluated through
their replications of integration by university personnel who will test the applica tions
and provide feedback to students regarding the satisfaction of the procedure.

Submitted by:

Chief Compiler:

Date:

Valdosta State University
1500 N. Patterson St.
Valdosta, GA 31698-0102